Location: Randolph 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $126,534 | 0.96% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26294 reveals a unique market situation that can be classified as a low-yield and low-stability zone. This classification is driven by specific figures provided: the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is $930 for fiscal year 2026, which is the median rent expected for a standard unit. However, the absence of market rent figures suggests that this area may not have sufficient rental activity to provide reliable data, indicating low stability.
The median home value of $116,040 in ZIP 26294 might initially seem attractive for potential flipping or investment properties, but it's important to note that there are no day DOM (Days on Market) figures available, which typically indicates a slow-moving market. The lack of movement in property sales points towards lower stability and liquidity in the real estate market.
Furthermore, the income figure of $48,542 for renters in the area is notably low. This low income level suggests that tenants may struggle to consistently pay higher rents, making the area less suitable for high-yield investments. Landlords should be cautious about setting rents too high, as it could lead to increased vacancy rates and difficulty in finding qualified tenants.
A critical factor in this analysis is the reported 0.0% of renters, which is an unusual figure and likely indicates that there are very few rental units available in the area. This scarcity of rental properties means that the overall rental market is not robust, and thus, the potential for steady cash flow is limited.
In conclusion, ZIP 26294 does not present itself as a high-yield market due to the low income levels and the absence of reliable market rent data. Additionally, the low percentage of renters and the unavailability of day DOM figures indicate a low-stability environment, unsuitable for quick flips or speculative investments. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this area would be best suited for long-term, low-risk investments where the focus is on maintaining occupancy rather than maximizing short-term profits.
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.