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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $87,460 | 1.07% | B |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $127,641 | 1.03% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for evaluating whether to purchase properties in ZIP code 25921 (Sophia, WV) for Section 8 investment hinges on three key factors.
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 cover the debt service on a property valued at $107,377?
Yes: The FMR of $870 per month is sufficient to clear the debt service on a property valued at $107,377. This indicates that the rental income will meet the financial obligations associated with the mortgage and other costs.
No: The FMR of $870 per month does not cover the debt service on a property valued at $107,377. In this case, landlords should avoid purchasing properties for Section 8 investment due to insufficient rental income to meet financial obligations.
2) How does the market rent of $806 compare to the FMR?
Above: If the market rent were higher than the FMR, it would suggest that landlords could potentially earn more from renting to non-Section 8 tenants. However, since the market rent is below the FMR, this is not applicable.
At: Not applicable in this scenario as the market rent is below the FMR.
Below: The market rent of $806 is below the FMR of $870. This means that landlords can expect higher rental income from Section 8 tenants compared to the general market. This is favorable for those looking to maximize their income from Section 8 properties.
3) Is there enough demand with 47.3% of residents being renters and an unknown number of days on the market (DOM)?
It Depends: With 47.3% of residents being renters, there is a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing. However, the lack of data regarding the days on the market (DOM) makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties are rented out. A low DOM suggests strong demand, while a high DOM might indicate slower turnover and potential vacancy issues.
In conclusion, if the FMR of $870 clears the debt service on a property valued at $107,377 and the market rent of $806 is lower than the FMR, then the answer is Yes. Landlords should proceed with caution, however, as the strength of rental demand cannot be fully determined without knowing the DOM. A thorough analysis of local market conditions and trends is recommended before making any investment decisions.
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.