Location: Lewis County, WV | Metro: Doddridge County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 26321 in Lewis County, West Virginia, reveals a unique set of conditions for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by HUD for the fiscal year 2026 is $870, which is the benchmark for voucher tenants in this area.
Given that the market rent for ZIP 26321 is currently not available, it's essential to rely on the HUD FMR to gauge the rental landscape. Voucher tenants in this region will cashflow at the FMR rate of $870 per month, assuming the landlord is leasing standard units without significant upgrades or premium features. This means that landlords can expect to cover their operating costs and generate a modest profit with typical properties in the area.
The median home value in ZIP 26321 stands at $127,689. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the annualized FMR figure of $10,440 ($870 x 12 months) against the median home value. This results in a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.0814, or 8.14%. This ratio indicates that rental income represents a healthy portion of the property's value, making it an attractive investment for those seeking steady cash flow.
While the exact number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, these metrics typically influence the rent-versus-buy decision. In the absence of such data, we can still conclude that the cash flow generated from renting out properties under the Section 8 program is likely to be more stable than the potential fluctuations in the local housing market. The consistent income stream from the government-backed vouchers provides a reliable source of revenue, especially when compared to the unpredictability of selling homes in a region with limited data.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 26321 is stability. With the guaranteed monthly rental payments through the Section 8 program, landlords can expect a predictable and secure income stream, which is particularly valuable in areas with less robust economic indicators.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.