Location: Wetzel County, WV | Metro: Wheeling, WV-OH 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $116,875 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $155,035 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $190,836 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in ZIP code 26155, which encompasses New Martinsville, WV, and parts of Wetzel County, offers a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. According to HUD's Fair Market Rent (FMR) data for fiscal year 2024, the FMR for the area is set at $890. This figure represents the maximum amount that landlords can charge for rental properties participating in the voucher program.
In contrast, the market rent as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) stands at $691. This indicates that voucher tenants in ZIP 26155 will cashflow comfortably at the HUD FMR rate. The difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent suggests that landlords can expect a significant positive cash flow when renting to voucher holders, as the vouchers cover more than the typical market rate.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $138,425. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio. Given the market rent of $691, the annual rent would be approximately $8,292. This translates into a rent-to-price ratio of about 6%, calculated as follows: ($8,292 / $138,425) * 100 = 6%. A higher rent-to-price ratio generally indicates better investment performance, as it suggests a stronger alignment between rental income and property value.
The dynamics between renting and buying in ZIP 26155 also favor investors. With a median days on market (DOM) that is not applicable (N/A), and a negligible 0.1% share of properties that require price cuts, the market shows a high level of stability and demand for rentals. This stability is crucial for investors seeking consistent returns without the volatility often associated with fluctuating real estate markets.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in this area is cashflow. The disparity between the HUD FMR and the local market rent ensures that landlords can generate reliable and substantial positive cash flow, making it an attractive option for those focused on immediate financial returns.
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.