Location: Lewis County, WV | Metro: Braxton County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26412 is situated in a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 767 residents. Only 10.5% of these residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied area. The median home value in this ZIP code stands at $123,674, suggesting an affordable living environment. However, the median income for the area is not available, which means that financial stability and earning power of the residents cannot be directly assessed.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $900. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a unit under the Section 8 program. Unfortunately, the market rent for ZIP 26412 is also not available, making it difficult to compare the FMR against actual market conditions. Nonetheless, the low percentage of renters and the relatively low median home value suggest that there might be limited demand for rental properties, particularly those participating in the Section 8 program.
Given the available data, ZIP 26412 appears to be better suited for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The small number of renters indicates a stable but potentially less dynamic market for rental properties. Therefore, focusing on maintaining a property and collecting steady Section 8 payments without extensive management efforts would likely be more effective. For those considering value-add strategies, the lack of detailed income data and market rent figures makes it challenging to assess potential profitability beyond the guaranteed Section 8 payment rates.
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.