Location: Braxton County, WV | Metro: Braxton County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26615, located within Braxton County, WV, exhibits several distinct characteristics when compared to other ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26615 is set at $920 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a low-income family participating in the Section 8 housing program can pay for rent.
While specific market rent and home value data for ZIP 26615 are currently unavailable, it's notable that 31.9% of its residents are renters. This percentage is higher than the average for Braxton County, which typically has a lower renter share. The elevated renter share suggests a significant portion of the population relies on rental properties, potentially indicating a strong demand for affordable housing options.
In the context of Braxton County, ZIP 26615 can be classified as a value pocket. This classification is based on the combination of its FMR being set at $920 and the high renter share without specific data on market rents and home values. Value pockets are areas where rental costs are relatively low compared to the broader metro area, making them attractive for landlords and investors looking to serve families eligible for the Section 8 program.
The high renter share in ZIP 26615, despite the lack of precise market rent and home value data, implies that there could be a concentration of Section 8 tenants. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this ZIP code presents an opportunity to cater to a demographic with a guaranteed income stream through government subsidies, ensuring steady and predictable returns.
To further assess whether ZIP 26615 is indeed a sweet spot for Section 8 investments, one would need to compare the FMR of $920 against the actual market rents. If market rents are significantly above this threshold, it would confirm the ZIP code's status as a value pocket, where subsidized rents are lower than what the market demands. This scenario would benefit both investors and tenants, offering affordable housing while still providing competitive investment opportunities.
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.