Location: Marion County, WV | Metro: Harrison 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 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 | $940 | $92,833 | 1.01% | B |
| 3BR | $1,170 | $149,485 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The renter's perspective in ZIP code 26591, located in Carolina, WV, highlights a significant affordability challenge. The median household income stands at $61,071, which is notably lower than what would be required to comfortably cover the market rate rent of $739 per month. To put this into context, a typical guideline suggests that housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household’s income. At $739, the monthly rent consumes approximately 28% of the median income, leaving little room for other essential expenses.
Furthermore, the situation becomes even more strained when considering the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $960 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the amount that a Section 8 voucher holder could potentially pay for rent, but it far exceeds the actual market rate, indicating that voucher holders might find it difficult to secure housing within this ZIP code. The disparity between the FMR and the current market rate suggests that landlords might face challenges in attracting voucher holders due to the higher payment standards.
With 22.2% of the population renting and a total population of 1,568, the competition among landlords for tenants is relatively low. However, the affordability gap means that those who can afford the market rate rents are few, leading to a smaller pool of potential cash-paying tenants. This scenario could result in landlords having to either lower their rental rates to attract more tenants or consider accepting Section 8 vouchers to fill vacancies.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while the market rate is affordable for some, the majority of residents might struggle to meet these costs without assistance. Accepting Section 8 vouchers could provide a steady stream of tenants, albeit at a lower rate than the FMR suggests. Landlords should carefully weigh the benefits of voucher stability against the potential for higher cash payments from fewer tenants. Given the median income and the high FMR, focusing on voucher acceptance could be a strategic move to ensure consistent occupancy and avoid prolonged vacancy periods.
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.