Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Braxton County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 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 classification of ZIP code 26636 on the axes of yield and stability reveals a unique scenario that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider carefully.
On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. This figure stands alone since there is no available market rent or home value data for direct comparison. However, the FMR provides a benchmark for rental pricing expectations within the area.
Moving to the stability axis, the ZIP code presents some challenges. There is a reported 0.0% of renters, which suggests an almost entirely owner-occupied community. Additionally, the median household income is $40,938, indicating a moderate economic base but without the typical rental demand. The absence of data on days on market (DOM) leaves a gap in understanding how quickly properties might turn over if rented.
Given these specifics, ZIP 26636 does not fit neatly into a high-yield/low-stability "flip-style" market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a niche investment opportunity. The lack of rental demand and limited income suggest that the area is not primed for rapid appreciation or turnover typical of flipping markets. Conversely, the moderate income level and the absence of significant market volatility data indicate that while the area may not offer high yields, it could provide a stable environment for long-term ownership investments, particularly in properties that can be converted to rentals as the local economy evolves.
To conclude, for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter ZIP 26636, the focus should be on properties that can potentially be rented out, leveraging the $870 FMR as a guidepost. The investment strategy should account for the current owner-occupied trend and the moderate income levels, positioning such investments as stable, rather than high-yield, 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.