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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,340 | $169,454 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 25844 presents several challenges for potential Section 8 landlords. First, consider the discrepancy between the market rent and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $850 for fiscal year 2024. The absence of market rent data suggests that landlords might struggle to cover operational costs if they rely solely on the FMR, which could be significantly lower than what the market demands.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With no data available on the days on market (DOM), it's unclear how quickly properties can be filled, especially when dealing with Section 8 tenants who may have additional administrative requirements. This uncertainty increases the risk of prolonged vacancies, impacting cash flow negatively.
Deferred maintenance poses a significant risk due to the typical home value of $158,346 and the median income of $30,526. These figures indicate that residents might find it challenging to afford necessary repairs, leaving landlords responsible for maintaining property standards without adequate compensation. This financial burden could strain resources, particularly for first-time Section 8 landlords.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 4.5% of the population being renters. High renter density generally correlates with higher demand for rental assistance vouchers, making it easier to fill vacancies with Section 8 tenants once the initial hurdles are overcome.
In conclusion, the risks associated with becoming a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 25844 are moderate. While there are notable challenges regarding rent coverage, vacancy periods, and maintenance costs, the strong presence of renters offers a counterbalance by ensuring a steady pool of potential tenants.
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.