Location: Upshur County, WV | Metro: Upshur County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26228, located in Upshur County, West Virginia, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $960 for fiscal year 2026. However, the market rent is currently unavailable, making it difficult to compare the two figures directly. This lack of data suggests that there might be an underdeveloped rental market or insufficient data collection in the region, which could pose challenges for those relying on market trends to inform their rental pricing decisions.
Regarding the affordability of property acquisition, the data indicates that the median home value is also not available. Similarly, the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring a price cut before sale are also missing. These unknowns imply that the local real estate market may be less transparent or less active compared to other areas, which could affect the ease and cost of acquiring properties.
Lastly, examining tenant demand, the population of ZIP 26228 stands at 42 individuals, with a renter share of 0.0%. This statistic strongly suggests that there is virtually no demand for rental properties in this area, as the entire population does not include any renters. Such low numbers indicate that the majority of residents likely own their homes, which means that finding tenants willing and able to pay the required rent could be extremely challenging.
In conclusion, based on the available data, ZIP 26228 presents significant obstacles for investment in rental properties. The unavailability of market rent and median home values makes it difficult to assess profitability and acquisition costs accurately. Furthermore, the absence of a rental market, as evidenced by the 0.0% renter share, implies that there is little to no demand for rental units. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should proceed with caution and seek additional information before considering investments in this area.
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.