Location: Tyler County, WV | Metro: Tyler 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $84,826 | 1.11% | B |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $144,843 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $1,290 | $155,267 | 0.83% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for evaluating whether to purchase properties in ZIP 26175 (Sistersville, WV) for Section 8 investment hinges on three key factors: Fair Market Rent (FMR), market rent comparison, and demand indicators.
1) Does the FMR of $870 clear debt service on a $111,456 property?
Yes: The FMR of $870 per month is sufficient to cover the debt service on a property valued at $111,456. Assuming a typical mortgage rate and term, the monthly payment would be less than the FMR, making the property financially viable under Section 8 guidelines.
No: If the FMR does not clear the debt service, then purchasing in this area for Section 8 purposes is not advisable. This scenario would indicate that the rental income from a Section 8 tenant would not be enough to cover the mortgage and other expenses associated with owning the property.
2) Is the market rent of $738 above, at, or below the FMR?
Above: If the market rent were above the FMR, this would suggest an opportunity to potentially earn more than the FMR by renting to non-Section 8 tenants. However, in Sistersville, the market rent is below the FMR at $738 per month. This indicates that Section 8 tenants would offer higher rental income compared to the local market.
At: Not applicable in this case since the market rent is below the FMR.
Below: Given that the market rent is below the FMR, Section 8 properties will provide a higher guaranteed income than what the market currently offers. This makes Section 8 a more attractive option for landlords looking to stabilize their cash flow.
3) Are 19.4% renters and N/A-day days on market (DOM) enough demand?
Yes: With 19.4% of the population being renters, there is a significant demand for rental housing. Although the days on market (DOM) data is not available, the rental rate suggests a steady demand for affordable housing, which aligns well with Section 8 tenants. This percentage of renters supports the idea that there will be consistent occupancy rates.
No: Not applicable given the current data. The lack of DOM data prevents a definitive assessment of how quickly properties are rented out, but the high percentage of renters implies strong demand.
It Depends: While the 19.4% of renters indicates demand, the absence of DOM data leaves some uncertainty about the speed of tenant acquisition. However, the combination of the FMR covering debt service and being higher than the market rent makes the decision lean towards yes, especially if the landlord can secure a steady stream of Section 8 tenants.
In conclusion, based on the data provided, the answer to the question "Should I buy here for Section 8?" is Yes. The FMR clears debt service, provides higher rental income than the market, and there is a substantial rental demand in the area.
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.