Location: Gilmer County, WV | Metro: Calhoun County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 26638, located in Gilmer County, WV, reveals several critical points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider.
First, regarding the rent math, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. However, due to the lack of specific market rent data for this ZIP code, it's challenging to directly compare and determine if the rent math works in favor of landlords. The FMR serves as a benchmark but without local market rent figures, precise profitability cannot be assessed.
Second, the acquisition affordability is also unclear. The median home value, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts are all listed as N/A. This absence of data suggests that the real estate market in ZIP 26638 might be underdeveloped or less active compared to other areas, which could affect the ease and cost of acquiring properties.
Third, concerning tenant demand, the population of 89 residents and a 0.0% renter share indicate a significant challenge. With no renters currently in the area, attracting tenants who qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers would be difficult. The low population number further complicates the potential for a robust tenant pool.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 26638 presents considerable risks. Without definitive market rent data, it's impossible to confirm whether the rent math works in line with the $870 FMR. The lack of available data on median home values, DOM, and price-cut shares makes assessing acquisition costs challenging. Most critically, the absence of any current renters in a small population of 89 residents suggests limited tenant demand. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, these factors collectively point towards a less favorable investment environment.
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.