Location: Tyler County, WV | Metro: Doddridge 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $95,137 | 1.04% | B |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $150,485 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $1,310 | $164,573 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 26456, located in West Union, WV, within Doddridge County, operate based on specific financial parameters. For fiscal year 2026, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $950. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay for a rental unit in this area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit, according to Census ACS data, is $816. This discrepancy highlights the potential financial dynamics landlords face when participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord accepting a Section 8 voucher receives payment from both the government and the tenant. The tenant's portion is typically around 30% of their adjusted income, which covers part of the rent. Additionally, there are utility allowances, which vary but can be estimated. For simplicity, let’s assume an average utility allowance of $200 per month.
To illustrate, if a tenant has an adjusted income of $1,000, they would contribute 30%, or $300, towards the rent. Adding the utility allowance, the total contribution from the tenant and the government would be $1,150. However, since the SAFMR is $950, the government would only reimburse up to this amount. Thus, the actual reimbursement to the landlord would be $950.
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 26456, the landlord would receive $950 from the housing authority and $300 from the tenant, totaling $1,250. But the government's reimbursement is capped at $950, leaving a surplus of $300 from the tenant's contribution, plus the $200 utility allowance, for a total surplus of $500 per month over the SAFMR.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 26456 who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect a reimbursement of $950 for a two-bedroom unit, with the possibility of receiving additional funds from the tenant's portion and utility allowances. This results in a monthly surplus of $500 over the SAFMR, making it potentially more financially viable than the local market rent of $816.
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.