Location: Randolph County, WV | Metro: Pocahontas 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,360 | $150,229 | 0.91% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 26273, located in Randolph County, WV, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $920, which is below the current market rent of $1,085. This creates a spread of $165 per unit, indicating that landlords can expect to receive slightly above the FMR from the government while still maintaining competitive rental rates.
The median home value in ZIP 26273 stands at $141,996. This figure suggests that property acquisition costs are relatively low compared to other regions, allowing for a higher potential return on investment when considering the rental income generated from Section 8 tenants. The stability provided by the Section 8 program ensures consistent cash flow, making this ZIP code an attractive option for landlords looking to secure a reliable source of income.
Although there is no specific data on price-cut share or days on market (DOM), the lower median income of $39,688 indicates that many residents rely on affordable housing options. This reliance supports the demand for Section 8 properties, further solidifying the cash-flow anchor status of ZIP 26273.
A cash-flow anchor strategy is particularly beneficial in this region due to the limited potential for rapid appreciation. The lack of significant growth in home values means that landlords should focus on steady rental income rather than speculative gains from property appreciation. By anchoring a portion of their portfolio in ZIP 26273, landlords can ensure they have a stable base of income-producing assets.
While ZIP 26273 does not present itself as an immediate opportunity for appreciation or high renter share, its characteristics align well with a cash-flow anchor strategy. Landlords can leverage the predictable nature of Section 8 rents and the lower cost of property acquisition to build a solid, long-term investment strategy.
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.