Location: Wetzel County, WV | Metro: Morgantown, WV MSA
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $126,700 | 1% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 26562, located within Wetzel County, WV, presents a unique snapshot when compared to typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26562 is set at $1090 for fiscal year 2024, which serves as a benchmark for rental affordability. However, the absence of market rent data for this ZIP code makes it challenging to directly assess how rental prices compare to the broader county average.
The median home value in ZIP 26562 stands at $112,873. This figure is notably lower than what might be expected in other parts of West Virginia, suggesting that the area may offer a more affordable entry point for property investments. Given the limited data available on market rents, we can infer that the actual rental rates might be close to or slightly below the FMR, indicating a potentially stable but not overly lucrative rental environment.
The renter share in ZIP 26562 is 13.1%, which is a moderate percentage. This suggests that while there is a significant portion of renters, it's not overwhelmingly high, which could mean that the area isn't primarily driven by rental demand. However, the combination of a below-average home value and a relatively high renter share does hint at the potential for this ZIP code to be a sweet spot for Section 8 housing. Landlords in ZIP 26562 could benefit from the FMR support without having to deal with properties that are significantly more expensive than the county average.
In summary, ZIP 26562 appears to be a value pocket within Wetzel County, offering an opportunity for investment in both rental and homeownership markets. The lower home values combined with a decent renter share suggest that this area could provide a stable return for landlords participating in Section 8 programs, without the risk associated with higher-priced properties. However, the lack of market rent data means that landlords should be prepared to research local rental trends to ensure their properties remain competitive.
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.