Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Doddridge County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 26443, located in Gilmer County, WV, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably here. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $880. However, the market rent is not available, indicating that the actual rental rates might be lower than the FMR, which would reduce profitability for landlords.
Regarding property acquisition, the data is incomplete. The median home value, days on market (DOM), and percentage of homes that required price cuts are all listed as N/A. This lack of information makes it difficult to assess whether buying properties in this area is financially prudent. Without these figures, it's challenging to gauge the affordability and potential for quick sales or the need for price adjustments.
Tenant demand is moderate but present. With a population of 450 and a renter share of 29.2%, there are approximately 131 tenants who could potentially occupy rental units. While the number of prospective tenants is relatively low, they still represent a significant portion of the local housing market.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 26443 presents a mixed picture. The primary concern is the uncertainty around market rents and property acquisition costs. Until more concrete data is available, especially regarding median home values and market conditions, it's advisable to proceed with caution. The presence of a reasonable number of renters provides some assurance of demand, but the financial viability of rental operations remains questionable due to the unavailability of crucial market data.
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.