Location: Braxton County, WV | Metro: Braxton County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26627 presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median household income here stands at $63,750. However, without specific market rate figures, it's challenging to assess how this income alignes with local rental costs. What we do know is that the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as determined by the metro fiscal year 2026 standards, is set at $910. This FMR represents the voucher payment standard, which is a critical benchmark for understanding what government assistance will cover.
Given that 27.6% of the population in ZIP 26627 are renters, and the total population is 357, the competition among landlords is likely to be moderate. This percentage suggests that while there is a significant portion of the community renting, the overall number of potential tenants is limited, which could impact the pool of available renters and their ability to pay higher rents.
The affordability gap between the median income and the FMR highlights a challenge for renters seeking housing. A household earning the median income would find it difficult to afford a market-rate apartment if the FMR is indicative of typical rental prices. This means that many renters might rely heavily on voucher programs to secure housing, leading to a preference for properties that accept vouchers.
For landlords considering their strategy, accepting vouchers can be a viable option given the reliance on such assistance among renters. While voucher payments are standardized at $910, they offer a guaranteed and stable income stream. Cash-paying tenants might be willing to pay slightly above the FMR, but the scarcity of high-income renters in this ZIP code means that competition for these tenants will be intense. Landlords should weigh the benefits of voucher stability against the potential for higher cash rents, keeping in mind the limited number of residents and the high demand for affordable housing.
The takeaway for landlords is that while there may be opportunities to charge more than the FMR to those who can afford it, the majority of the rental market in ZIP 26627 is likely to be composed of voucher recipients. Thus, being prepared to work with the voucher system can provide a steady stream of income and help fill units in a competitive market.
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.