Location: Tucker County, WV | Metro: Tucker 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,290 | $192,384 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 26292 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $890 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay to landlords in this specific ZIP code. However, it's important to understand that the actual reimbursement to landlords can be less due to the tenant's portion and utility allowances.
In ZIP 26292, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is lower at $792 according to the latest Census ACS data. This means that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, which could potentially benefit landlords who participate in the program.
A voucher holder is typically responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent. This amount is then supplemented by the voucher payment to reach the total SAFMR. For example, if a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,000, they would pay $300 toward rent. The remaining $590 would come from the voucher, making up the $890 SAFMR.
Beyond the base rent, there are utility allowances that must be considered. These allowances vary but generally cover electricity, gas, water, and sewage. In ZIP 26292, these allowances add an additional $150 to the total reimbursement, bringing the combined amount to $1,040.
Landlords should note that while the SAFMR is $890, the actual reimbursement is often lower due to the tenant's contribution. The utility allowance can help offset some of the costs associated with providing housing, but it does not necessarily mean that landlords will receive more than the market rent.
To illustrate, let's assume the tenant pays $300 toward rent, leaving $590 to be covered by the voucher. With the utility allowance of $150, the total reimbursement would be $740. This leaves a surplus of $48 compared to the local market rent of $792. However, if the market rent were higher than the SAFMR, there would be a reimbursement gap instead of a surplus.
In summary, participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 26292 can provide landlords with a stable income source, although the reimbursement is calculated based on the tenant's portion and the SAFMR, plus utility allowances. For a two-bedroom apartment, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus in this ZIP code is a surplus of $48, assuming the market rent remains at $792.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.