Location: Pleasants County, WV | Metro: Pleasants County, WV
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $168,440 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 26134 presents a dynamic equilibrium between supply and demand, though it leans towards a scenario where demand is slightly more robust. This inference is drawn from the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $870, which is notably higher than the current market rent of $493. The FMR, set by HUD for the fiscal year 2026, indicates an expected increase in rental costs, suggesting that landlords might see an opportunity to raise rents closer to the FMR level as the market evolves.
The median home value of $147,652 suggests affordability for many potential homeowners, but the high percentage of renters—34.8%—indicates a significant portion of the population prefers or requires rental housing. This can be due to various factors including financial constraints, job mobility, or lifestyle choices. A substantial renter share often correlates with ongoing housing pressure, as renters typically have less flexibility to absorb increases in housing costs compared to homeowners.
The absence of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) prevents a precise assessment of how aggressively landlords are competing for tenants. However, given the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent, it's plausible that landlords could face some competition to attract tenants, especially if they aim to charge closer to the FMR without a corresponding increase in tenant demand.
In summary, ZIP 26134 appears to be a market where rental demand is strong enough to support the potential rise in rents towards the FMR, yet the high proportion of renters may indicate underlying housing pressure. Landlords should monitor these trends closely to adjust their strategies accordingly.
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.