Location: Lewis County, WV | Metro: Harrison 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $135,998 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $207,905 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $290,348 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26378, located in Jane Lew, West Virginia, is primarily a homeowner-dominated area with only 13.7% of residents being renters. This indicates that the voucher demand is relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters. The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $71,546, which provides context for the rental market. The typical market rent of $686 represents approximately 9.4% of the median household income, suggesting that rent is affordable for most residents.
To put this into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $870 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the current market rent in Jane Lew. This difference highlights that rents in Jane Lew are below the average for the broader metropolitan area, making it an attractive location for those seeking lower-cost housing options.
A landlord in Jane Lew can expect tenants who are likely to be price-sensitive due to the relatively lower market rents compared to the FMR. These tenants will probably rely on Section 8 vouchers to afford their living space, given the economic conditions. While the percentage of renters is modest, the affordability of the area means that those who do rent are likely to be heavily dependent on government assistance to cover their housing costs. This dependency on vouchers is a key factor in the tenant pool, as it aligns with the local income levels and the cost of living.
In summary, while Jane Lew is not a renter-heavy ZIP code, the existing rental market is characterized by a reliance on Section 8 vouchers. Landlords should prepare for tenants who are likely to have incomes that qualify them for such assistance programs, ensuring that they manage properties with the understanding that many of their tenants will be receiving subsidized rents.
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.