Location: Braxton 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,370 | $161,789 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 26621 within Braxton County, WV, presents a unique snapshot when compared to the broader metro figures. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26621 stands at $900 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the market rent of $713. This indicates that while the government sets a higher benchmark for rental affordability, the actual market rents are lower, suggesting a potential opportunity for landlords and investors looking to capitalize on a more affordable rental market.
The median home value in ZIP 26621 is listed at $134,894, which is likely reflective of the county's overall housing market conditions. Given the relatively low home values, it can be inferred that this area is not a premium sub-market but rather a value pocket where property investments could yield favorable returns, especially considering the below-metro market rent levels.
A key indicator for potential investment attractiveness is the 21.6% renter share. While this figure alone doesn't reveal much about the ZIP code's status relative to other areas in Braxton County, the combination of a high renter share with below-metro home values suggests an environment conducive to Section 8 participation. This is because such conditions often attract a higher proportion of renters who rely on government subsidies to meet their housing costs.
To conclude, ZIP 26621 appears to be a value pocket within the Braxton County, WV metro. It offers a lower entry point for real estate investment through its below-average home values and market rents, while still benefiting from a higher-than-average renter share that aligns well with Section 8 opportunities. This ZIP code provides a strategic location for landlords and investors aiming to leverage the government rental assistance programs effectively.
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.