Location: Gilmer 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $117,518 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $146,700 | 0.91% | C |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $171,276 | 0.88% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 26624, encompassing Gassaway, WV, and parts of Braxton and Gilmer Counties, reveals a significant gap between the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the HUD FMR stands at $880, while the Census ACS reports an average market rent of $496. This disparity means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the FMR rate, offering a strong financial advantage to landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $132,023. The rent-to-price ratio can be calculated by dividing the annual rental income by the median home value. Assuming a monthly rent of $880, the annual rental income would be $10,560. Thus, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.08, or 8%. This ratio indicates that the property values are relatively high compared to the rents they generate, which could make owning rental properties more attractive than renting them for some investors.
However, the dynamics of the local real estate market also play a crucial role. The median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require price cuts are not available for this area. These metrics typically influence the rent-versus-buy decision by providing insights into the liquidity and competitiveness of the housing market. In their absence, we must rely on the solid cashflow potential derived from the difference between market rent and the HUD FMR.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 26624 is the cashflow opportunity presented by the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This allows landlords to benefit from higher rents without the risk of overpricing their units relative to the local market. While appreciation and stability are also important considerations, the immediate financial benefits of positive cashflow make it the most compelling reason for Section 8 investors to consider this area.
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.