Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26105 - 2027

Location: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | Metro: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV MSA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$830
1 Bedroom	$840
2 Bedrooms	$1,020
3 Bedrooms	$1,270
4 Bedrooms	$1,340
5 Bedrooms	$1,554
6 Bedrooms	$1,740
7 Bedrooms	$1,879
8 Bedrooms	$1,973

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

12,107

Median Household Income

$61,674

Housing Units

5,933

Renter Percentage

25.0%

Occupancy Rate

90.5%

Renter Occupied

1,343

Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 26105

Housing Authority of the City of Parkersburg (Parkersburg, WV) - 1,567 Section 8 vouchers

The economics of Section 8 in ZIP 26105, Vienna, WV, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $960 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the local housing market conditions.

In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is $832, according to the latest Census ACS data. This difference between the SAFMR and the local market rent is significant and impacts how much a landlord can expect to receive from a Section 8 voucher.

A Section 8 voucher in ZIP 26105 will cover the difference between the local market rent and the SAFMR. Here's how it works:

The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500, the tenant would pay $450 toward rent.
The remaining balance is covered by the housing authority up to the SAFMR. In this case, the housing authority would pay $510 ($960 - $450).
Additionally, there is a utility allowance which varies but typically ranges around $200-$300 per month. For simplicity, let's use $250 as the utility allowance.

This means the total reimbursement a landlord receives for a two-bedroom unit under a Section 8 voucher is $760 ($510 + $250). However, since the local market rent is $832, landlords will face a reimbursement gap of $72 per month ($832 - $760).

To summarize, landlords in ZIP 26105 should be aware that the SAFMR sets a higher standard than the actual local market rent. Consequently, accepting a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom unit will result in a shortfall of $72 per month, based on the given figures. This economic reality underscores the importance of understanding local rental rates and SAFMRs when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.