Location: Raleigh County, WV | Metro: Raleigh County, WV HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $233,157 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $306,917 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
930 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 25843 in Ghent, WV, for fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum amount Section 8 participants can pay for housing. 961 represents the average market rent in the same area according to Census ACS data, suggesting a slight premium over the FMR. However, with a median home value of 297,671, it's clear that homeownership remains a significant investment. The 29.7% share of renters in Ghent highlights a notable portion of the population relying on rental properties, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to attract tenants. Median income stands at 86,767, providing insight into the financial capability of local residents to afford housing. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut share, the existing figures paint a picture of a stable rental market where Section 8 can play a crucial role. The slight discrepancy between FMR and market rent suggests potential for landlords to receive competitive rates while still being within program guidelines. Given the median home value, it's evident that owning property in Ghent requires a substantial initial investment, but the steady demand from renters and the reliable income stream from Section 8 can offset this cost. The median income figure also supports the viability of Section 8 in the area, as it indicates a reasonable financial cushion for residents participating in the program. In conclusion, the combination of these factors makes Ghent an attractive location for Section 8 properties, offering both stability and potential for long-term investment success.
Verdict: Ghent, WV, is a solid choice for Section 8 investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.