Location: Pocahontas County, WV | Metro: Pocahontas County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 26209, located in Pocahontas County, WV, reveals a unique set of conditions that both challenge and offer opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,160. However, due to limited data availability, the comparison against current market rents is currently unavailable.
To understand the cash flow potential for voucher tenants in this region, we must consider the HUD FMR of $1,160. Given the lack of specific market rent data, it's reasonable to infer that voucher tenants will likely cashflow at FMR levels, especially considering the median home value in the area stands at $217,450. This yields a rent-to-price ratio that suggests properties in ZIP 26209 are relatively affordable compared to their market value, which can be advantageous for investors seeking stable, long-term rental income.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, both of which are currently reported as N/A and 0.1%, respectively, do not significantly impact the rent-versus-buy decision-making process in this ZIP code. These metrics typically indicate how quickly homes sell and how often sellers need to reduce their asking price, but their absence or minimal presence does not provide enough insight into the broader real estate market trends.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 26209 is cashflow. Properties here are likely to generate positive cash flow when rented to voucher holders at the HUD FMR rate, making this an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to secure reliable rental income without the need for premium unit upgrades.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.