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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $54,244 | 1.84% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $78,711 | 1.64% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Newell, WV, located in ZIP code 26050 and part of the Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 in the area for fiscal year 2024 is set at $860, which is below the market rate of $915 for similar properties. This creates a spread of $55, indicating that landlords can still receive above the Section 8 payment standard while maintaining competitive rental rates.
The median home value in Newell is $72,114, which is relatively low compared to other areas. This suggests that the overall cost of living in the area is also lower, making it an attractive location for tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance. By anchoring a portion of their portfolio in Newell, landlords can ensure steady, reliable cash flow from the Section 8 program without the risk of high vacancy rates or delinquency.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers are important components of any real estate investment strategy, Newell's characteristics make it particularly well-suited as a cash-flow anchor. The low median home value and the presence of a significant number of renters (35.1%) indicate a strong demand for affordable housing, which aligns with the mission of the Section 8 program. Additionally, the median income of $50,139 supports the viability of Section 8 tenants, ensuring that they can meet their obligations under the voucher program.
In summary, ZIP 26050 offers a solid foundation for cash flow within a Section 8 portfolio. The spread between the FMR and the market rate provides a buffer for landlords, allowing them to benefit from both government subsidies and competitive rental pricing. This makes Newell an ideal choice for those looking to stabilize their investment income streams.
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.