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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $260,371 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26678 is a sparsely populated area with only 1,427 residents. It is predominantly an owner-occupied neighborhood, as evidenced by the fact that there are no reported renters, indicating a 0.0% rental rate. The median household income here stands at $64,375, which is relatively modest but still provides a comfortable living standard. The median home value in this area is $235,388, suggesting that homeownership is accessible to many of the local residents.
When it comes to the economic landscape of renting in ZIP 26678, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040. However, the absence of data on market rents makes it challenging to compare the two directly. This lack of information could indicate a low demand for rentals, which aligns with the low rental rate in the area.
Given the characteristics of ZIP 26678, it would likely be more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low rental rate and the focus on homeownership suggest that the market for rental properties is limited. Therefore, landlords or small-portfolio investors looking to manage properties without extensive involvement would find this environment conducive to their strategy. The area's modest median income and median home value also support the idea that a hands-off approach, leveraging government assistance programs like Section 8 vouchers, would be more practical than attempting to increase property values through active management or improvements.
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.