Location: Upshur County, WV | Metro: Upshur 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 | $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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $120,282 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $153,988 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 26234, located in Rock Cave, WV, within Upshur County, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 1,045 residents, only 9.0% of whom rent their homes, this ZIP code has a strong emphasis on homeownership. The median income in Rock Cave is $61,250, indicating a middle-class community. Despite the low rental rate, the median home value is relatively high at $120,001, which suggests that property values in this area are above average for rural West Virginia.
The voucher economics for ZIP 26234 provide insight into the potential rental market dynamics. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. However, the lack of available market data means we cannot directly compare this figure to local rental prices. This absence of market data could indicate either a very limited rental market or a lack of recent activity in the rental sector, making it challenging to assess the impact of Section 8 vouchers on the local housing market.
Given the data signature of ZIP 26234, the overall trend appears to be stable. The high median home value alongside a middle-class median income suggests a balanced property market where homeownership is valued. The low percentage of renters indicates that the demand for rental properties is minimal, and thus, the introduction of Section 8 vouchers would likely have a minor effect on the rental market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these factors when evaluating opportunities in Rock Cave, WV.
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.