Location: Ritchie County, WV | Metro: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV MSA
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,170 | $159,125 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 26337, located in Ritchie County, WV, serves as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. For fiscal year 2024, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $850. This figure is critical for landlords because it represents the maximum allowable rent for a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 program.
The median market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 26337 is approximately $475, while the median home value stands at $109,647. Given these figures, there is a significant spread between the FMR and the market rent, which allows landlords to maintain steady cash flow without the risk of overpricing their units beyond what tenants can afford through the Section 8 program.
This ZIP code is not suitable as an appreciation play due to limited data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM). However, it does serve well as a diversifier, with an 8.1% renter share and a median income of $49,306. These factors indicate a stable demand for rental properties and a manageable risk profile for landlords.
In conclusion, ZIP 26337 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords can leverage the higher FMR rates compared to local market rents to ensure consistent income from their investments.
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.