Location: Randolph 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $980 | $81,613 | 1.2% | A |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $132,990 | 0.95% | C |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $154,748 | 0.94% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26250, located in Belington, West Virginia, presents a challenging environment for renters due to the significant disparity between income levels and housing costs. The median income in this area stands at $47,682, which is notably lower than the national average. Considering the market rate rent of $831 per month, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), it becomes evident that this cost represents a substantial portion of the average household's monthly earnings.
To put this into perspective, let's compare the market rate rent to the voucher payment standard. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $900 per month. This means that even the subsidized rent through Section 8 vouchers is higher than the current market rate, indicating that the subsidy might not be sufficient to cover the full cost of renting in this ZIP code.
With 24.2% of the population being renters and a total population of 5,322, there is a noticeable affordability gap that affects the competition among landlords. This gap suggests that many renters struggle to find housing that fits within their budget, leading to a scenario where landlords who offer more affordable rates may attract a larger pool of tenants.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept Section 8 vouchers or focus on cash-paying tenants is clear. While accepting vouchers can ensure steady rental income, the potential shortfall between the voucher payment and the actual market rate could result in financial strain. On the other hand, targeting cash-paying tenants might allow for higher rents but comes with the risk of reduced demand given the limited disposable income available to most households in the area. Landlords should carefully weigh these factors and consider offering flexible pricing options or incentives to attract both voucher recipients and cash-paying tenants.
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.