Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Calhoun 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $75,746 | 1.53% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $110,344 | 1.41% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape in ZIP code 26147, located in Grantsville, WV, presents several challenges that first-time Section 8 landlords should be aware of. Firstly, the discrepancy between the market rent of $623 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,110 for the fiscal year 2026 indicates a potential issue with tenant turnover. Landlords may struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, leading to frequent changes in occupancy and increased costs associated with tenant screening, move-in, and maintenance.
Vacancy exposure is another significant risk factor. The Days on Market (DOM) figure being listed as N/A suggests there might be a lack of reliable data on how long properties typically remain vacant before being rented out. This uncertainty can lead to prolonged periods of vacancy, reducing cash flow and increasing the financial burden on landlords.
Deferred maintenance is also a concern, given the typical home value of $88,024 and the median income of $43,082. These figures indicate that homeowners in the area may have limited financial resources to invest in property upkeep, which could translate into rental units requiring more attention and capital expenditure to maintain quality standards and comply with housing regulations.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 18.4%, which is notably above average. A higher concentration of renters often correlates with greater demand for Section 8 vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates and ensuring a steady stream of rental income. The presence of a substantial number of renters can also help mitigate the impact of tenant turnover and vacancy exposure, as there is a larger pool of potential occupants.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 26147 is moderate. While there are notable challenges related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density offers a buffer against these risks, making it a viable but cautious choice for new investors in the Section 8 program.
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.