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 | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $950 | $89,896 | 1.06% | B |
| 3BR | $1,180 | $150,078 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26571, located in Carolina, WV, has a population of 1,788 individuals, with only 6.6% being renters. This indicates that the area is predominantly homeowner-dominated rather than renter-heavy. The median household income stands at $84,167, which is relatively high compared to the national average.
The market rent for the area is $883 per month. Given the median household income, this means that the typical rent eats up approximately 13% of the local income. This is calculated by dividing the monthly rent ($883) by the annual income ($84,167), then multiplying by 12 months and finally dividing by 100 to get the percentage. To put it into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is $930 for fiscal year 2026. Thus, the actual market rent is slightly below the FMR, indicating that rents in this area are competitive but not excessively high.
In terms of voucher demand, the scarcity of renters suggests that the number of Section 8 vouchers in circulation will be limited. Landlords should not anticipate a large pool of potential tenants relying on housing assistance. Instead, they can expect tenants who are likely employed and earn close to the median household income. These tenants would typically have stable financial situations and be capable of paying market rates without assistance.
To summarize, Carolina, WV (ZIP 26571) is not an area with deep voucher demand. With only 6.6% of the population renting, it is primarily a homeownership-focused community. The expected tenant profile includes individuals who are financially stable and able to afford the $883 market rent, which represents about 13% of the median household income. Landlords can reasonably expect tenants who do not require housing assistance and who can meet their rental obligations independently.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.