Location: Ritchie County, 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 | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $89,537 | 1.05% | B |
| 3BR | $1,190 | $141,176 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $1,250 | $168,717 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 26143 does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $890 for the fiscal year 2024 contrasts sharply with the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $573. This discrepancy means that landlords aiming to align with FMR could be overpricing their properties, leading to reduced occupancy rates and potential financial losses.
Acquisition in this area is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $119,985. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts suggests that the housing market might be less active or stable. This uncertainty can impact a landlord's ability to accurately gauge property values and investment risks.
Tenant demand is limited in ZIP 26143. With a total population of 3,363, only 15.8% of residents are renters. This indicates a smaller pool of potential tenants, making it harder to fill vacancies and sustain consistent rental income.
Verdict: The combination of unfavorable rent math, uncertain housing market dynamics, and low tenant demand makes ZIP 26143 a challenging investment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Despite the affordability of acquisitions, the risks associated with maintaining occupancy and achieving fair rental prices outweigh the benefits. Landlords should proceed with caution and consider diversifying their investments into areas with higher renter populations and more favorable rental price alignments.
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.