Location: Weirton-Steubenville, WV | Metro: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $116,601 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $174,583 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for whether to purchase a property in ZIP code 26035 (Colliers, WV) for Section 8 investment hinges on three key questions:
1. Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 cover the debt service on a property valued at $153,632?
Yes: If your debt service is less than $910 per month, then the FMR will cover your costs. This means that the rental income can sustain the mortgage payments and other associated costs.
No: If your debt service exceeds $910 per month, then the FMR does not sufficiently cover your expenses. In this scenario, purchasing a property in this ZIP code based solely on Section 8 would not be financially viable.
It Depends: The viability of the investment depends on the specifics of your debt service. You must calculate your monthly debt service to determine if it aligns with the FMR.
2. How does the market rent compare to the FMR?
N/A: Given that the market rent is not available, you cannot make a direct comparison. However, if the FMR of $910 is sufficient to cover your debt service, you might still consider the investment.
Below FMR: If the market rent is below $910, then Section 8 properties offer a better return on investment than market-rate rentals. This could be a strong indicator to proceed with the purchase.
At or Above FMR: If the market rent is equal to or higher than $910, you need to weigh the benefits of market-rate versus Section 8 properties. Consider factors such as tenant stability, maintenance requirements, and administrative overhead.
3. Is there sufficient demand with 8.0% of the population being renters and an unknown number of days on the market (DOM)?
Yes: If the DOM is short, indicating quick turnover and high demand, then the 8.0% of renters suggests a steady pool of potential tenants. This could support a positive investment decision.
No: If the DOM is long, indicating low demand, then even the 8.0% of renters might not be enough to ensure a reliable stream of tenants. This would likely discourage investment in this ZIP code.
It Depends: Without specific DOM data, it's difficult to assess the exact demand level. You should look into local real estate listings or contact a local realtor to get a clearer picture of how quickly properties are rented out.
In conclusion, the decision to invest in ZIP 26035 for Section 8 properties depends on the answers to these questions. Ensure that the FMR covers your debt service, understand the relationship between market rent and FMR, and evaluate the demand for rental properties. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision.
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.