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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,250 | $236,327 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 26372 reveals several potential challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering participation in the Section 8 program. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a significant issue due to the discrepancy between market rents and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $900 set by the program for the fiscal year 2026. This difference can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may seek more affordable housing options outside the program.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, although the Days on Market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable. High DOM values typically indicate a longer period for which a property may remain vacant, increasing financial strain on the landlord. Given the typical home value of $204,489 and a median income of $194,286, there is also an increased risk of deferred maintenance. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular upkeep to maintain property standards required by the program.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 6.1% of residents being part of the rental market. High renter density generally correlates with a greater demand for housing vouchers, suggesting that there will likely be a steady pool of potential tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and the need for ongoing maintenance, the high renter density in ZIP 26372 makes it a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. The balance of factors indicates a reasonable likelihood of finding qualified tenants while necessitating careful management to avoid financial pitfalls.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.