Location: Barbour County, WV | Metro: Barbour County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26275 represents a small, tight-knit community with a total population of just 520 residents. Given that 26.6% of these residents are renters, it's clear that the area has a modest demand for rental properties. However, the lack of data on median income and median home value suggests that the neighborhood might be less developed or could have unique characteristics that make standard metrics less applicable.
Moving into the realm of rent economics, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. This figure stands in contrast to the actual market rent of $627, as reported by the Census American Community Survey. The discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent indicates an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to potentially benefit from the higher reimbursement rates offered by the government through the Section 8 program.
Considering the nature of the ZIP code, it would likely appeal more to a hands-on value-add buyer rather than a hands-off voucher operator. The smaller size of the community means that landlords can have a significant impact on property values and tenant satisfaction through active management and improvements. Moreover, the lower market rent compared to the FMR suggests that there is room for increasing rents while still remaining competitive and attractive to tenants, especially those who qualify for the Section 8 housing assistance program.
In summary, ZIP 26275 offers a niche investment opportunity for those willing to engage actively in property management. With the potential for higher returns due to the disparity between FMR and market rent, and the relatively low barrier to entry, this area can be particularly appealing to hands-on investors looking to improve their properties and enhance their portfolios.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.