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 | $1,250 |
| 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $145,797 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $219,669 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Cool Ridge, WV, ZIP code 25969, is a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,826 residents. The area is predominantly owned by homeowners, with only 5.4% of the population renting their homes. This suggests a neighborhood where long-term residency and property ownership are common, indicating a stable and possibly aging demographic.
The median household income in Cool Ridge is $60,250, which is relatively modest compared to larger metropolitan areas but sufficient for the local cost of living. The median home value stands at $205,373, reflecting the affordable housing market in the region. These figures paint a picture of a community where most residents can afford to own a home, contributing to the low rental rate observed.
Moving into the economic specifics of renting, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 25969 as of the fiscal year 2024 is set at $930. However, the market rent data is currently unavailable, which could indicate limited rental activity or a lack of comprehensive reporting in the area. Given the low percentage of renters, it's plausible that the market rent closely aligns with the FMR, if not slightly below it due to the scarcity of rental properties.
For Section 8 investors, Cool Ridge presents an interesting opportunity. The hands-off operator might find the area challenging due to the low demand for rentals and the potential difficulty in attracting tenants who qualify for the Section 8 program. On the other hand, a hands-on value-add buyer could leverage the stability and affordability of the neighborhood to create a desirable rental property that appeals to both Section 8 tenants and those who might be willing to pay slightly above the FMR. Such an approach would require careful consideration of renovation costs and the ability to manage a property in a smaller, less dense market.
In summary, Cool Ridge, WV, offers a niche investment opportunity for those willing to engage actively in managing and improving rental properties. The hands-off strategy may struggle due to limited rental demand, whereas a hands-on approach could turn a modest property into a valuable asset within the community.
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.