Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Gilmer County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 26342, the economics of Section 8 housing can be clearly understood by examining the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and comparing it to the local rental market conditions. For a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this area.
The SAFMR is specifically tailored to reflect the rental costs within ZIP 26342, ensuring that the subsidy is appropriate for the local housing market. However, the local market rent is currently not available, which makes it difficult to compare the SAFMR directly against what tenants might pay elsewhere without assistance.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand that the reimbursement they receive is composed of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the voucher payment. Tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. This amount is then supplemented by the voucher, which covers the difference up to the SAFMR limit of $870. Utility allowances are also factored into the total reimbursement but do not affect the base rent payment.
To illustrate, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,000, they would contribute $300 towards rent. The remaining $570 would come from the voucher, making the total reimbursement $870. If the rent for the property exceeds $870, the landlord must negotiate with the tenant to cover the excess, which is not uncommon in areas where market rents are higher than the SAFMR.
In ZIP 26342, landlords should prepare for a potential reimbursement gap or surplus based on the actual market rates. Since the local market rent data is not available, it is essential to research the current rental trends in the area to determine if there is a need to adjust the rent accordingly. In scenarios where the local market rent is lower than $870, landlords may see a surplus, meaning the voucher payment could exceed the typical market rate for a two-bedroom unit.
Given the SAFMR of $870, landlords in ZIP 26342 should consider this figure when setting rent for Section 8 participants. The key is to ensure that the rent does not exceed the SAFMR, while also being mindful of the tenant's ability to pay their share of 30%. This balance helps maintain compliance with the program and ensures a steady income stream for the landlord.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 26342 can expect a reimbursement of up to $870 for a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program. The actual reimbursement will depend on the tenant's income and any utility allowances. Without specific local market rent data, it's unclear whether this will result in a surplus or a gap for landlords, but the SAFMR provides a clear benchmark for setting competitive and compliant rental rates.
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.