Location: Tucker County, WV | Metro: Randolph 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 | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $141,469 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 26270, located in Tucker County, WV, reveals that the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the fiscal year 2026 is $930. In contrast, the market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $1,015. This means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will experience marginal cash flow at the FMR rate, as it is slightly below the current market rent.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 26270, which is $140,127. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With a market rent of $1,015, the annual rent would be $12,180. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.087, or 8.7%. This ratio indicates that rental income represents a significant portion of the property's value, making it an attractive option for investors looking to generate steady cash flow.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this area are influenced by the local real estate market conditions. However, the data does not provide specific figures for the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that required price cuts. These metrics would be useful for understanding how quickly properties sell and at what price adjustments, but their absence does not detract from the overall positive outlook for rental investments.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 26270 is cash flow. Given the rent-to-price ratio and the fact that the FMR is close to the market rent, investors can expect reasonable returns on their investment through rental income. While appreciation and stability are also factors, the immediate financial benefit of cash flow makes it the most compelling reason for landlords and small-portfolio investors to consider this market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.