Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Braxton County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for ZIP 26335 (Burnsville, WV) based on Section 8 criteria would look as follows:
1) Does FMR $960 (metro FY 2026) clear debt service on a $118,560 property?
Yes. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 is sufficient to cover the debt service on a property valued at $118,560. Assuming an average interest rate and loan terms, this rental income would be adequate to meet mortgage payments and other financial obligations.
No. This scenario would not typically occur given the provided numbers. However, if there were unusually high financing costs or other significant expenses, then the answer could be negative. In such cases, the investment would not be advisable without further analysis.
It Depends. This branch is unlikely due to the straightforward nature of the question. However, if there are additional variables such as property taxes, insurance, or maintenance costs that significantly affect the net income, then it would depend on those factors. Generally, though, $960 FMR should clear the debt service on a $118,560 property.
2) Is market rent $598 (Census ACS) above, at, or below FMR?
Above. If the market rent were higher than the FMR, it would indicate a strong local rental market. However, the market rent of $598 is below the FMR of $960, so this branch does not apply.
At. If the market rent equaled the FMR, it would suggest equilibrium between market conditions and Section 8 rates. But since the market rent is lower, this branch is also not applicable.
Below. The market rent of $598 is below the FMR of $960. This means that properties rented through Section 8 would command higher rents compared to the general market, which can be advantageous for landlords seeking stable income.
3) Are 30.0% renters + N/A-day DOM enough demand?
Yes. With 30.0% of the population being renters, there is a significant portion of the community looking for housing. The lack of Days on Market (DOM) data suggests that listings are either quickly sold or not tracked, but the percentage of renters indicates a steady demand. Given that Section 8 rents are higher than market rates, the demand should be sufficient for landlords interested in Section 8 properties.
No. This branch would only apply if the renter percentage was very low or if the DOM indicated long periods before properties were rented. Since neither condition is met, this branch does not apply.
It Depends. This branch would be relevant if there were conflicting data or if the renter percentage alone did not provide a complete picture of the rental market's health. However, with the current data showing 30.0% renters and no DOM data suggesting quick turnover, it is clear that there is enough demand.
In conclusion, for ZIP 26335 (Burnsville, WV), the FMR of $960 clears debt service on a $118,560 property, the market rent of $598 is below the FMR, and the 30.0% renter population suggests sufficient demand. Therefore, landlords should consider investing here for Section 8 properties.
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.