Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26430 - 2027

Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Gilmer County, WV

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$730
1 Bedroom	$870
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,320
4 Bedrooms	$1,350
5 Bedrooms	$1,566
6 Bedrooms	$1,754
7 Bedrooms	$1,894
8 Bedrooms	$1,989

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

216

Median Household Income

$47,903

Housing Units

144

Renter Percentage

13.8%

Occupancy Rate

80.6%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 26430, located in West Virginia, is a region characterized by its modest living standards and a significant portion of rental housing. The area offers opportunities for investors looking to enter a market with relatively low barriers to entry, but also requires careful consideration of the local economic conditions and rental trends.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $900, indicating the government's benchmark for affordable housing in the region.
The market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $659, which is below the FMR, suggesting that the private rental market is currently offering units at a lower price point than the government's affordability target.
The median home value in ZIP 26430 is $94,981, reflecting the overall modest property values in the area.
Renters make up 13.8% of the housing stock, showing a smaller but still notable share of the population that relies on rental properties.
The median income for residents in the area is $47,903, providing insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants.

Analyzing these points, it becomes clear that ZIP 26430 presents a balanced investment opportunity. With rental prices below the government's FMR, there is room for growth in rent collection without pricing out the majority of the tenant base. However, the lower median income suggests that targeting affordable housing could be a prudent strategy. Given the modest median home value, acquiring rental properties should be financially feasible for most investors. The relatively low renter share indicates a market that might not be saturated with rental options, leaving space for new investments to fill a demand. Overall, investors should focus on properties that cater to the affordability needs of the local population, while positioning themselves to benefit from any future increases in rental rates or property values.

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.