Location: Summers 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $760 | $108,377 | 0.7% | D |
| 2BR | $940 | $121,104 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $148,856 | 0.85% | C |
| 4BR | $1,260 | $167,178 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 25951, located in Hinton, WV, within the Summers County, WV metro area, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This classification is based on the fiscal year 2024 Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 for ZIP 25951, which closely aligns with the market rent of $908. The minimal spread of just $2 indicates that rental properties in this area will have stable cash flows due to the consistent alignment between government-subsidized rents and market rates.
The median home value in ZIP 25951 stands at $134,686, which further supports its role as a cash-flow anchor. Landlords can expect reliable and predictable returns on their investment without significant fluctuations in rental income. The slight advantage of the FMR over the market rent means that Section 8 tenants can provide a steady and slightly above average cash flow compared to the local rental market.
While the ZIP code does exhibit characteristics that might suggest an appreciation play, such as a 0.1% price-cut share and N/A-day days on market (DOM), these factors are not strong enough to outweigh the benefits of its stability as a cash-flow anchor. Similarly, the 21.8% renter share and median income of $35,918 do not make it a compelling diversifier option, as the primary focus should be on the reliability of rental income.
In summary, ZIP 25951 is ideal for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure a dependable source of rental income through Section 8 properties. The negligible difference between the FMR and market rent ensures that the investment will perform consistently, providing a solid foundation for a larger real estate portfolio.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.