Location: Nicholas County, WV | Metro: Nicholas 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $235,679 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26662 is a sparsely populated area with only 743 residents, making it an ideal location for those seeking a quieter, less congested environment. Notably, there are no reported renters in this area, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median income figure is not available, which could suggest a diverse economic profile among the residents or limited data for accurate assessment. However, the median home value stands at $221,316, providing a clear benchmark for property values in the area.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26662 is set at $940 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the government's estimation of the average rent for a standard two-bedroom apartment, which is crucial for Section 8 housing vouchers. In contrast, the market rent data is currently unavailable, which makes it challenging to assess the potential gap between FMR and actual market rates. Given the lack of rental properties, this could indicate that the demand for rentals is low, or that the rental market is underdeveloped.
Considering these factors, ZIP 26662 would likely be more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The absence of renters suggests little to no competition in the rental market, which could mean fewer opportunities for aggressive rental strategies aimed at increasing property value. Additionally, the limited population size implies a smaller pool of potential tenants, making it important for investors to focus on the reliability of Section 8 vouchers to ensure steady occupancy and income. For hands-on operators looking to add value through renovations or management improvements, the current landscape of ZIP 26662 presents fewer immediate opportunities compared to areas with higher rental activity and clearer market data.
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.