Location: Marion County, WV | Metro: Marion County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP code 26574, anchored by a median home value of $62,740, presents a unique scenario for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The fact that the percentage of listings reduced and the median days on market (DOM) are not available points to either a highly stable market where homes sell quickly at asking price or a less active market with fewer transactions. This ambiguity suggests that pricing power will likely remain strong if the market continues to be stable and efficient, allowing landlords and investors to maintain or slightly increase their rental rates without fear of vacancy spikes.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26574 is projected to be $910 in fiscal year 2026, which is indicative of the government's assessment of what constitutes a reasonable rent for the area. If the current market rent is lower than the FMR, there is potential for upward adjustment as the market aligns with federal guidelines. However, if the market rent is already close to or exceeds the FMR, it signals a tight rental market where demand outstrips supply, giving landlords significant leverage to keep rents high or even raise them further.
For long-term investors, the setup implied by the available data suggests a cautious approach to appreciation expectations. With a median home value significantly below national averages and limited information on recent reductions and DOM, the appreciation thesis must consider broader economic trends affecting the region. If the local economy is growing, with new businesses and job opportunities attracting residents, then there could be a realistic basis for gradual appreciation. Conversely, if economic growth is stagnant or declining, appreciation may be minimal or non-existent, and investors should focus on maintaining steady cash flows through rental income rather than capital gains.
In summary, the median home value and projected FMR provide a solid foundation for understanding the current market conditions in ZIP 26574. Landlords and investors can expect to have considerable control over rental rates due to the potential alignment with federal guidelines and the stability suggested by the median home value. However, appreciation expectations should be tempered by an analysis of the local economic outlook, as the data does not strongly support aggressive growth assumptions.
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.