Location: Mineral County, WV | Metro: Winchester, VA-WV MSA
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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,761 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,506 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $184,434 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $241,694 | 0.73% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 26710 in Burlington, WV, must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover can be a significant issue when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the government. The FMR for ZIP 26710 in fiscal year 2024 is $1110, while the market rent is currently not available. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates if tenants find they can afford better housing options outside of Section 8.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, especially since the average days on market (DOM) for rental listings is not available. High DOM indicates difficulty in filling vacancies, which can reduce cash flow and increase the financial burden on landlords.
Deferred maintenance is a notable risk given the typical home value of $204,418 and the median household income of $78,516. Landlords must ensure that their properties meet the required standards for Section 8 tenancy, which can be costly if there is a backlog of necessary repairs or upgrades. The financial strain of maintaining property quality can be significant, particularly in areas where median incomes are lower relative to property values.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high density of renters in the area. With a 9.2% renter share, there is a strong likelihood of high demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This demand can stabilize occupancy rates and mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 26710.
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.