Location: Tucker County, WV | Metro: Tucker 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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $860 | $150,146 | 0.57% | F |
| 2BR | $1,080 | $262,866 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $1,460 | $380,820 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $500,356 | 0.29% | F |
| 5BR | $1,694 | $719,811 | 0.24% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26260 is situated in a small, rural neighborhood in West Virginia. With a total population of 1,194, it's a community where homeownership is prevalent; only 16.1% of residents are renters. The area boasts a median household income of $95,690, which is relatively high compared to the state average. This affluence is reflected in the median home value, standing at $341,072, indicating a stable and potentially desirable residential market.
When it comes to rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $950. However, the actual market rent, according to the Census American Community Survey, is significantly lower at $639. This discrepancy suggests that there is a gap between what the government deems as fair market value and the current rental rates, which could be an opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on potential increases in rental values.
The hands-off Section 8 voucher operator might find this ZIP code challenging due to the low percentage of renters and the high disparity between FMR and market rent. It indicates that while the voucher program can support rents up to $950, the current market conditions do not fully justify such high rents, potentially leading to underutilization of the vouchers. On the other hand, a hands-on value-add buyer could find this ZIP code appealing. By investing in property improvements and leveraging the higher median income and home values, they could position their properties to command closer to the FMR rate, thus benefiting from the voucher program while also adding value to the local housing market.
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.