Location: Tyler County, WV | Metro: Doddridge 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 | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $117,189 | 1.05% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26320 in Tyler County, WV, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as of fiscal year 2026, is set at $910. However, due to limited data, the exact market rent cannot be determined. This makes it challenging to assess if the FMR aligns with what tenants are willing to pay, thus impacting the viability of rental properties.
Regarding the affordability of property acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 26320 is $96,001. Without specific data on the number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts, it's difficult to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Nonetheless, the relatively low median home value suggests that acquiring a property could be financially feasible for investors with moderate budgets.
The third point concerns tenant demand. The total population of the ZIP code is 723, with only 2.1% being renters. This indicates a very limited pool of potential tenants, which could pose challenges in maintaining occupancy rates. With such a small percentage of the population renting, competition among landlords could be fierce, and attracting and retaining tenants might require offering competitive rents or amenities.
Verdict: While the low median home value makes property acquisition potentially affordable, the lack of detailed market rent data complicates the assessment of whether the rent math works effectively. Furthermore, the extremely low renter share of the population poses significant risks regarding tenant demand. Investors should proceed cautiously, considering the limited data and the small market size, which may not support a robust rental business model.
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.