Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Gilmer 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $980 | $109,713 | 0.89% | C |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $153,486 | 0.86% | C |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $155,477 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 26351, Glenville, WV, hinges on a careful analysis of its yield and stability metrics. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $880, while the market rent is slightly higher at $891. This indicates that the rental income potential is modest but competitive. The median home value stands at $119,292, which is relatively low compared to many other areas, suggesting that property acquisition costs could be lower.
Moving to the stability axis, the data reveals that 32.2% of residents are renters. This percentage is moderate and implies a stable demand for rental properties. However, the lack of data on the number of days on market (DOM) could indicate either a well-balanced market or an under-reported metric, leaving some uncertainty about the speed of property turnover. The median household income of $55,742 provides insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants, indicating that there is a reasonable level of economic stability in the area.
Given these figures, ZIP 26351 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The modest difference between the FMR and market rent, combined with the moderate percentage of renters, suggests that there is a consistent demand for rental housing without the volatility often associated with flipping properties. The lower median home value also supports this conclusion, as it points to a market where the cost of entry is manageable for small-portfolio investors seeking reliable returns.
To summarize, the key figures driving this assessment are the $880 FMR versus the $891 market rent, a 32.2% renter population, and a median household income of $55,742. These factors collectively point to a market that offers stable cash flows with reasonable yields, making it attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for dependable investment opportunities.
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.