Location: Taylor 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,150 | $103,390 | 1.11% | B |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $166,639 | 0.9% | C |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $205,549 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Shinnston, WV, located in Harrison County, is home to 6,271 residents. With 31.1% of the population renting their homes, it's a modest rental market compared to larger urban areas. The median income here is $61,023, which is relatively low when considering the median home value stands at $136,259. This disparity suggests that homeownership is more challenging for the average resident, making affordable rental options critical.
The voucher economics in Shinnston are favorable for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $990, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,128. This means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect to receive close to market rates, with a slight premium over the FMR. The difference between the FMR and market rent indicates a healthy margin for landlords, ensuring they can maintain properties without financial strain.
Given the data signature of Shinnston, it appears to be a stable market. The percentage of renters is consistent, and there isn't a significant fluctuation in median income or home values that would suggest rapid change. Stability is crucial for both landlords and investors, as it allows for predictable cash flows and manageable property maintenance costs. For those looking to invest in a reliable market, Shinnston offers a solid opportunity with its balanced mix of affordable housing and rental economics.
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.