Location: Taylor County, WV | Metro: Morgantown, WV MSA
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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,520 | $222,577 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 26374 presents a dynamic scenario that reflects the interplay between supply and demand. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $920 for the fiscal year 2024, it's clear that the government has set expectations for rental costs in line with what might be considered affordable for low-income families. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $634. This discrepancy suggests that the rental market in 26374 is currently below the FMR, indicating a potential oversupply or lower-than-expected demand.
The median home value in the area is $196,371, which places it within a moderate range for homeownership. While the data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) is not available, the lower market rent compared to the FMR could imply that landlords are adjusting their rates to remain competitive or to attract tenants in an environment where demand might be softening relative to supply.
The 12.2% renter share indicates a smaller proportion of the population choosing to rent rather than own their homes. This figure is important because it suggests that there is less immediate pressure on rental properties. However, it also points to a potentially larger pool of homeowners who may face challenges such as maintenance costs or property taxes, which can lead to long-term housing instability if economic conditions change.
In summary, the market in ZIP 26374 appears to be one where supply slightly outpaces demand, given the lower market rents. The relatively low renter share signals a community leaning towards homeownership, but it also highlights the importance of monitoring economic factors that could shift the balance of housing pressures in the future.
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.