Location: Barbour County, WV | Metro: Barbour County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26349, located in Barbour County, West Virginia, reveals several key points regarding its viability for rental investments.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $930 for fiscal year 2026. However, the lack of specific market rent data means we cannot directly compare it against current local rental rates. This absence of market rent figures makes it challenging to determine if the FMR accurately reflects the potential income from renting properties in this ZIP code.
Regarding the affordability of property acquisition, the data is incomplete. There is no median home value provided, which is crucial for understanding how much investment would be required to purchase properties. Similarly, the Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are also not available. Without these figures, it's impossible to assess the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties at a reasonable cost.
The third point concerns tenant demand. The population of ZIP 26349 is 157, with a strikingly low 0.0% renter share. This indicates that virtually all residents own their homes, suggesting a very limited pool of potential tenants. Such a small and predominantly owner-occupied community poses significant challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure steady tenancy.
In summary, while the FMR provides a benchmark for rental income at $930, the lack of market rent data complicates the assessment of whether this figure aligns with local realities. The missing information on median home values, DOM, and price-cut percentages prevents a thorough evaluation of property acquisition costs. Furthermore, the extremely low renter share of 0.0% in a small population of 157 points to minimal tenant demand. Based on these findings, ZIP 26349 does not present a favorable environment for rental investments due to the limited number of potential renters and the absence of critical data needed to make informed decisions about property acquisition and rental pricing.
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.