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 | $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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,020 | $133,726 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $193,409 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $299,182 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $1,554 | $516,046 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
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:
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). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.