Location: Marion County, WV | Metro: Marion 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $122,691 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $194,287 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP code 26559, specifically Barrackville, WV, is centered around the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $950, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that the market rent stands at $1,000. This creates a gap of $50, or 5%, between what landlords can charge through Section 8 vouchers and the open-market rental rates.
Given that the FMR is less than the market rent, it is important to highlight the financial implications for landlords. When accepting Section 8 tenants, landlords agree to rent their properties at a rate lower than the current market price. In Barrackville, where the median home value is $158,404 and the median income is $73,229, landlords must consider the reduced rental income when evaluating the profitability of their investments. Only 5.7% of residents in Barrackville are renters, which means that the demand for rental properties is relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters. Therefore, the decision to participate in the Section 8 program should be weighed against the potential decrease in rental revenue.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors must also account for the administrative costs associated with managing Section 8 properties. These include the time and resources spent on tenant screening, lease management, and compliance with HUD regulations. Additionally, there may be delays in receiving rent payments due to the bureaucratic processes involved in the voucher program. Despite these challenges, some landlords find the Section 8 program beneficial because it ensures a stable and reliable source of income, even if it is slightly below market rates.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and market rent in Barrackville, WV, is $50, representing a 5% difference. While this gap does not significantly impact profitability, it is crucial for landlords to understand the full picture, including the administrative burdens and the overall economic context of the area, before deciding whether to accept Section 8 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.