Location: Harrison County, WV | Metro: Harrison 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 | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $840 | $59,266 | 1.42% | A |
| 2BR | $940 | $89,823 | 1.05% | B |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $136,953 | 0.91% | C |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $176,202 | 0.82% | C |
| 5BR | $1,682 | $232,242 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Clarksburg, WV (ZIP 26301), the real estate market presents a unique set of conditions that influence both pricing power and long-term investment potential. With a median home value of $116,816, the area remains affordable, especially when considering that only 0.2% of listings have seen reductions in price. This low percentage of price reductions, coupled with a median days on market (DOM) of just 22 days, suggests strong demand and limited supply, which supports the ability of landlords and small-portfolio investors to maintain or even slightly increase rental rates.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected at $870, while the current market rent, as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $1,000. This gap between the FMR and the actual market rent signals an opportunity for landlords to leverage the higher market rates, particularly in areas where government-subsidized housing plays a significant role. However, it also means that tenants relying on subsidies might face challenges in finding affordable housing, potentially leading to increased competition for properties eligible under the Section 8 program.
For long-hold investors, the appreciation thesis in Clarksburg is tempered by broader economic factors. The local economy, primarily driven by manufacturing and government services, has shown steady but modest growth. While this stability supports occupancy rates and rental income, it also limits the potential for rapid appreciation in property values. Investors should expect moderate gains, if any, over the next 12-24 months, with the primary focus being on consistent cash flow rather than significant capital appreciation.
To summarize, the current market dynamics in Clarksburg, WV, indicate a stable environment with opportunities for maintaining or slightly increasing rents. However, the realistic appreciation thesis points towards modest growth, aligning with the region's economic profile. Long-term investors should consider the balance between rental income and potential property value increases when evaluating their portfolios in this ZIP code.
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.