Location: Tucker County, WV | Metro: Morgantown, WV MSA
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $122,290 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $159,088 | 0.8% | C |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $183,432 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26287, located in Parsons, WV, presents a unique balance between yield and stability that can inform investment decisions for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 stands at $890, significantly higher than the market rent of $634. This indicates a potential opportunity for higher rental yields when properties are rented out at the FMR. However, the median home value in the area is $134,581, which suggests that while rental prices may offer a decent return, the property values themselves are relatively modest compared to other markets.
Moving to the stability axis, the ZIP code has a 22.9% rental rate, indicating a smaller proportion of residents are renters, which could lead to increased competition among landlords for tenants. The lack of available data on the number of days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties are typically leased in this area. Lastly, the average income in the ZIP code is $51,855, which is a key factor in determining the financial capability of potential tenants to sustain long-term leases.
Given these figures, ZIP 26287 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. While the FMR provides a higher rental rate, the modest median home value and lower percentage of renters suggest a market that favors longer-term investments over quick flips. The average income figure supports the idea that there is a stable tenant base capable of paying consistent rents, albeit not at the highest possible rates.
To summarize, the primary factors driving this classification are the relatively high FMR compared to the market rent, the moderate median home value, and the average income level supporting stable tenancy. These conditions collectively point towards a market suitable for those seeking reliable, if not exceptionally high, cash flows from their rental investments.
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.