Location: Tucker 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,190 | $120,112 | 0.99% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 26425 is poised for a nuanced period ahead, with implications for both pricing power and investment strategy. The median home value stands at $101,909, which serves as a foundational metric for understanding the local market's valuation.
Despite the absence of specific percentages for listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM), these metrics typically indicate market activity and seller flexibility. A lower percentage of reduced listings and a shorter DOM can suggest a stable or slightly bullish market, where homes are selling close to their asking price and quickly. This scenario would support a stronger pricing power for landlords and small-portfolio investors over the next 12-24 months.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26425 is set at $890 for fiscal year 2024, while the current market rent as per the Census ACS is $674. This discrepancy between FMR and actual market rents signals an opportunity for rental income growth. As the market adjusts towards the FMR, landlords can expect to see gradual increases in rental rates, enhancing cash flow and overall investment returns.
For long-term hold investors, the setup implies a realistic appreciation thesis based on the convergence of market rents toward the FMR. While direct appreciation figures are not provided, the historical trend suggests that areas with a significant gap between market rents and FMR often experience a correction, leading to property value appreciation. This correction is driven by increased demand for rental properties as they become more attractive relative to homeownership costs, and by potential increases in property taxes and other costs associated with higher valuations.
In summary, the current median home value, coupled with the implied stability from listing reductions and DOM, alongside the favorable rent-side dynamics, points to a market that will likely support strong pricing power and gradual appreciation for long-term investors. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should position themselves to take advantage of these trends through strategic pricing and maintaining high-quality properties to attract tenants.
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.