Location: Randolph County, WV | Metro: Randolph County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26285 represents a unique residential area with a very low population density, totaling only 261 residents. This neighborhood stands out due to its extremely low percentage of renters at 0.0%, indicating that it is predominantly composed of homeowners rather than tenants. The lack of available data on median income and median home value suggests that there might be limited economic activity or diverse housing stock in this area.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area as of fiscal year 2026 is set at $930. However, the absence of reported market rent figures for ZIP 26285 makes it challenging to compare the FMR with local conditions directly. This gap in data could imply that the rental market in this ZIP code is either non-existent or so small that it does not generate sufficient data points for analysis.
Given these characteristics, ZIP 26285 would likely be a poor fit for a hands-off voucher operator. The scarcity of renters means that there is little demand for Section 8 properties, which would result in low occupancy rates and minimal returns on investment. Instead, a hands-on value-add buyer who can adapt to the specific needs of this community might find opportunities. Such an investor could focus on developing properties that cater to the few potential renters or explore alternative uses for the land, given the low population density and homeowner dominance.
To summarize, ZIP 26285 offers a challenging environment for traditional Section 8 investment strategies due to its low population and virtually non-existent rental market. Investors should approach this area with a tailored strategy that leverages its unique attributes rather than relying on standard practices.
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.