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 | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 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 | $1,240 | $91,007 | 1.36% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26575 has a population of 523 individuals, with only 13.9% of residents being renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. Given this low percentage of renters, it is unlikely that there will be a deep voucher demand in this ZIP code.
The median household income in ZIP 26575 is $39,676. The typical market rent of $365 represents approximately 9.2% of the median income when calculated on a monthly basis. This suggests that rent is relatively affordable compared to the income levels in the area.
However, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26575 is set at $890 per month for FY 2024. This figure is significantly higher than the market rent of $365, indicating that the actual rents are below the government's benchmark for affordability. Landlords in this ZIP code can expect tenants who are likely to have some difficulty affording higher rents, but the current market conditions suggest that rents are already quite low relative to income.
The kind of tenant profile a landlord in ZIP 26575 should expect includes individuals or families who may be seeking lower-cost housing options. These tenants might rely on rental assistance programs due to the disparity between their income and the FMR. Despite the low percentage of renters, those who do rent are likely to be price-sensitive and prefer properties that offer value for money.
To summarize, ZIP 26575 is not a renter-heavy area, and the demand for rental assistance vouchers is expected to be limited. With a median income of $39,676 and a market rent of $365, typical rents consume about 9.2% of the average household's income, making them relatively accessible. However, landlords should be prepared for a tenant base that is sensitive to cost and may require financial assistance to meet the higher FMR standards.
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.