Location: Calhoun County, WV | Metro: Calhoun County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental landscape in ZIP code 26136 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Given the median income of $42,788, it is crucial to understand how this aligns with both the market rate and the federal payment standard for housing vouchers.
The market rate for rentals in ZIP 26136 is currently listed as N/A. This indicates a lack of recent data on average rents, which could be due to low volume or variability in the local market. However, when comparing the median income to the voucher payment standard, we see a clearer picture. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set for fiscal year 2026, is $870. This figure represents the amount that the federal government will pay towards rent for eligible households.
Considering the median income, a household in ZIP 26136 would struggle to afford market-rate rentals if they are significantly higher than the FMR. The affordability gap suggests that many renters might prefer units that accept housing vouchers, as these typically cap their portion of the rent at around 30% of their income, making it easier to find suitable housing.
With only 12.7% of the population renting, the competition among landlords for tenants is likely to be fierce. This means that landlords who are flexible with voucher acceptance may have an advantage over those who do not, as the pool of potential tenants willing to pay cash may be limited.
The takeaway for landlords considering their strategy is clear: accepting housing vouchers can be a viable option to fill vacancies and maintain steady income streams. While cash-paying tenants might offer slightly higher rents, the reliability and ease of finding tenants through voucher programs could outweigh the benefits of higher rent amounts. Landlords should weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the local economic conditions and tenant preferences.
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.