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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,240 | $227,815 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26169 stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of only 726 residents, it has a low rental rate of 6.6%, indicating that homeownership is prevalent. The median income in this ZIP is $57,813, which is relatively modest compared to the median home value of $172,709. This suggests that while housing is expensive, the local economy may struggle to support such high values.
Moving to the specifics of Section 8 voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26169 is set at $1010 for the fiscal year 2024. However, there is no available data on the market rent for this area, making it difficult to assess the disparity between FMR and actual market rates. Given the lack of comprehensive rental market data, landlords should be cautious about relying solely on Section 8 vouchers for tenant acquisition, as the demand for rental properties may not be high enough to sustain the program's use effectively.
The data signature for ZIP 26169 reads as stable, with consistent figures in terms of population and median home values. However, the low rental rate and the absence of current market rent data suggest a transitional nature in the rental sector, implying potential changes in the future that could affect the utility and demand for Section 8 vouchers. Landlords and small-portfolio investors must monitor these trends closely to make informed decisions regarding their investments and tenant selection strategies.
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.