Location: Upshur County, WV | Metro: Lewis 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,250 | $157,672 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 26343 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) which sets the rental assistance rates for individual units based on location. For a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 26343, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is $920. This figure is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors as it dictates the maximum amount that can be reimbursed by the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8.
The SAFMR of $920 is not the full amount a landlord will receive. Instead, it represents the total rent allowed for the unit. The actual reimbursement to the landlord is calculated after factoring in the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is expected to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 per month, the tenant would contribute approximately $450 towards the rent. This leaves a remaining $470 for the landlord to receive from the voucher program.
Utility allowances vary but are generally around $200-$300 per month. These allowances are designed to cover the tenant’s share of utilities and are not directly paid to the landlord. Therefore, the landlord should expect to receive the remainder of the SAFMR after the tenant’s contribution is subtracted, without additional utility payments from the voucher program.
In ZIP 26343, where the SAFMR for a two-bedroom unit is $920, the landlord will receive $470 from the voucher program, assuming the tenant's contribution is $450. This means the landlord must ensure that the total cost of owning and maintaining the property does not exceed the combined amount of the tenant’s payment and the voucher reimbursement. If the local market rent is higher than $920, the landlord will face a reimbursement gap, meaning they might need to accept lower rent or find other ways to reduce costs to remain profitable.
To summarize, in ZIP 26343, a landlord can expect a reimbursement of $470 per month from the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit, assuming the tenant contributes $450. If the market rent is above $920, the landlord will experience a reimbursement gap. Conversely, if the market rent is below $920, there may be a surplus, allowing the landlord to either keep the difference or use it to improve the property. It is essential for landlords to carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
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.