Location: Upshur County, WV | Metro: Barbour 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $750 | $66,618 | 1.13% | B |
| 2BR | $980 | $121,236 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $185,423 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $1,630 | $222,898 | 0.73% | D |
| 5BR | $1,891 | $263,888 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 26201, located in Buckhannon, WV, within the Upshur County, WV metro area, serves best as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $940, which is $62 above the current market rent of $878. This positive spread ensures that properties in this ZIP code will consistently generate higher rents than the local market average when leased through the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 26201 stands at $158,977, indicating a relatively affordable housing market. While this may not offer substantial appreciation potential, the primary benefit lies in the stable cash flow provided by the guaranteed rental income from the Section 8 program. Landlords can rely on this steady stream of revenue, knowing that the government will cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the FMR, ensuring a consistent and predictable income source.
The 0.2% price-cut share and N/A-day days on market (DOM) suggest limited flexibility in pricing and a moderate turnover rate, respectively. These factors support the classification of ZIP 26201 as a cash-flow anchor rather than an appreciation play. Appreciation plays typically require more volatile markets where rapid price increases can offset lower rental yields, but Buckhannon does not exhibit these characteristics.
The ZIP code also has a 21.9% renter share and a median income of $53,832, which contribute to its role as a cash-flow anchor. The relatively low renter share means that there is less competition from other rental properties, making it easier to attract tenants. Additionally, the median income figure suggests that tenants are likely to be able to afford their portion of the rent under the Section 8 program, reducing the risk of non-payment.
In conclusion, ZIP 26201 is well-suited to act as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rent, the stability of the housing market, and the demographic factors that support reliable tenant occupancy. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this ZIP code for its ability to provide a solid foundation of predictable income within their investment 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.