Location: Jackson 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,190 | $161,764 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26160 encompasses a small, tight-knit neighborhood with a total population of 1,163 residents. The area has a minimal rental footprint, with only 1.3% of the population being renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income here stands at $48,992, which places it firmly in the middle-income bracket. Median home values in the area are relatively low at $127,814, suggesting that this is an affordable market.
Moving into the specifics of rent economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26160 as of the fiscal year 2024 is set at $850. This figure represents the government's benchmark for rental affordability under the Section 8 program. However, the lack of available market rent data means that there is limited information on how closely market rents align with the FMR. This gap in data could be due to the low rental activity in the area, which might make it challenging to gauge the true market dynamics.
Given these factors, ZIP 26160 may not be the most suitable location for a hands-off voucher operator. The low percentage of renters suggests that there might not be a significant demand for subsidized housing, potentially leading to lower occupancy rates and reduced profitability. On the other hand, for a hands-on value-add buyer, this area presents opportunities. With low median home values, there is potential to purchase properties at a discount, renovate them, and then leverage the Section 8 program to secure tenants. The relatively low FMR also means that any renovations would need to be cost-effective to ensure a positive cash flow.
In conclusion, while the low renter population makes it less attractive for passive investors, active investors looking to add value through property improvements could find ZIP 26160 a viable option. The combination of affordable property prices and the Section 8 subsidy can be used strategically to create a profitable investment portfolio in this small, middle-income neighborhood.
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.