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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $133,751 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $1,360 | $187,605 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $248,257 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 26164, located in Ravenswood, WV, reveals a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1020 for the fiscal year 2024, which is significantly higher than the reported market rent of $773 based on Census ACS data.
This discrepancy means that voucher tenants can generate positive cashflow at the FMR rate. Landlords will see a marginally better financial position when renting to Section 8 tenants compared to market-rate tenants. The median home value in the area stands at $180,064, leading to a rent-to-price ratio that is advantageous for rental properties.
Investors should note that the day median DOM (Days on Market) and the percentage of price cuts are not available for this region. However, given the higher FMR compared to market rents, the rent-versus-buy dynamics favor rental investments over homeownership in this area.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 26164 is cashflow, as the difference between the HUD FMR and market rent provides a substantial margin for landlords to cover expenses and still turn a profit.
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.