Location: Webster County, WV | Metro: Braxton 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,120 | $155,305 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26610 reveals a mixed market scenario that balances both yield and stability considerations for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The key figures from the data provided are crucial in determining the nature of this market.
Yield Analysis: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870, which is notably higher than the local market rent of $825. This indicates a potential for slightly above-average rental yields when compared to the broader metropolitan context. However, the median home value stands at $136,393, which is relatively low. For an investment property, this means that the initial capital outlay could be lower, potentially increasing the overall yield on investment. The disparity between the FMR and market rent suggests that there might be room to slightly increase rents without pricing out the majority of tenants.
Stability Analysis: Stability in this context can be gauged by the percentage of renters, the days on market (DOM), and the average income level. With 20.8% of residents being renters, the demand for rental properties is moderate but not overwhelming, indicating a stable tenant base. Unfortunately, the data does not provide the day DOM figure, which would have been useful for assessing how quickly properties can be rented out. The average income level of $37,165 is another critical factor. This figure is below the national average, suggesting that while there is demand for affordable housing, the ability of tenants to pay higher rents may be limited. Therefore, maintaining a balance between rental prices and affordability is essential to ensure stable cash flows.
Considering these factors, ZIP 26610 leans towards a steady-cashflow zone. The relatively low median home value supports a moderate investment strategy, while the slightly higher FMR compared to the market rent allows for some flexibility in setting competitive rental prices. The moderate percentage of renters and the lower average income level suggest that this area is not prone to rapid fluctuations in occupancy rates or rental prices, making it suitable for long-term investments aimed at consistent returns rather than high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
To summarize, the primary drivers for this classification are the $870 FMR versus the $825 market rent, the $136,393 median home value, and the $37,165 average income level. These figures indicate a market where landlords can expect reasonable yields and stable cash flows, ideal for those seeking a reliable investment strategy.
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.