Location: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | Metro: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV 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 | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $780 | $72,096 | 1.08% | B |
| 2BR | $950 | $98,032 | 0.97% | C |
| 3BR | $1,180 | $149,347 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $1,250 | $186,314 | 0.67% | D |
| 5BR | $1,450 | $248,791 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 26101, which covers Parkersburg, WV, and parts of Wood County, the Section 8 economics are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, set at $940 for the fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing costs within the area.
The local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is $854. This indicates that the SAFMR for ZIP 26101 is higher than the average market rent, providing a clearer picture of the economic landscape for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord's income from a Section 8 voucher is calculated based on the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent, which is typically 30% of their adjusted income. For example, if a tenant has an adjusted income of $1,000 per month, they would pay $300 towards the rent. The remainder, up to the SAFMR limit, is covered by the housing authority. In ZIP 26101, for a two-bedroom unit, the housing authority would pay the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR, up to $940.
Utility allowances are also factored into the total payment. These allowances vary but generally cover a portion of the tenant's utility expenses. If we assume a standard utility allowance of around $200, the total reimbursement a landlord can expect for a two-bedroom apartment under a Section 8 voucher would be the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance, up to the $940 SAFMR cap.
To illustrate, let’s consider a landlord renting out a two-bedroom unit at the SAFMR of $940. If the tenant pays $300, and the utility allowance is $200, the landlord receives $540 directly from the housing authority, making the total reimbursement $840. This leaves a surplus of $86 when compared to the local market rent of $854.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 26101 for a two-bedroom unit is a surplus of $86, meaning landlords participating in the Section 8 program could receive slightly more than the average market rent. However, this surplus can vary depending on the specific tenant's income and the exact utility allowance provided.
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.