Location: Pocahontas 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $830 | $160,878 | 0.52% | F |
| 2BR | $940 | $278,225 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $1,220 | $362,598 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $1,290 | $525,415 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 26291, Marlinton, WV, is set at $870 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a Section 8 tenant as part of their rent. It's important to note that this is not the total rent you will receive; rather, it's the benchmark used to determine the portion covered by the government subsidy.
In Marlinton, the local market rent is currently listed as N/A, which means there isn't enough data to provide a specific average rent for the area. However, the lack of a defined local market rent does not necessarily indicate low demand. Instead, it suggests that the housing market in Marlinton is less active, making the Section 8 program an important source of stable tenants.
The renter share, which is the portion of the rent that the tenant must pay out-of-pocket, is 0.0%. This means that under the Section 8 program, tenants do not have to contribute any money toward their rent. The entire rent is paid by the government, up to the FMR limit of $870. While this might seem appealing, it's crucial to understand that the tenant's income must still be verified to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for the program.
The median home value in Marlinton is $262,889. This figure can help you gauge the potential acquisition cost for your first Section 8 rental property. Given the lower population density and limited local rental data, the Section 8 program offers a reliable way to manage rental properties and ensure steady income.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental property in Marlinton, verify that the property meets all necessary safety and quality standards required by the Housing Choice Voucher program. This includes ensuring compliance with local building codes and health and safety requirements, as these are prerequisites for being accepted into the program. Once you confirm that your property meets these criteria, you can confidently move forward with your investment knowing it aligns with the expectations of both the government and future tenants.
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.