Location: Summers County, WV | Metro: Fayette 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $108,009 | 0.87% | C |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $176,208 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord investing in ZIP code 25976 in Meadow Bridge, WV, are significant. First, tenant turnover can be high due to the disparity between the market rent of $683 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $850 for FY 2024. This gap indicates that tenants might struggle to find alternative housing at the market rate, leading to frequent moves once they secure higher-paying jobs or move out of subsidized programs.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the average days on market (DOM) for rental properties is not available, which could imply either very quick leasing or extended periods without tenants. The latter scenario would leave landlords vulnerable to financial losses during vacancies.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk, considering the typical home value of $146,836 and the median income of $41,169. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep, as residents' limited financial resources may result in neglecting necessary repairs and maintenance. This situation could escalate into costly issues if not managed proactively.
However, these risks are offset by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 13.4% of the population being renters. High renter density often correlates with increased demand for Section 8 vouchers, providing a steady stream of potential tenants who are committed to paying their rent through the government subsidy program.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density in ZIP 25976 suggests a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. While there are significant hurdles, the robust demand for affordable housing can mitigate some of these risks.
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.