Location: Mineral County, WV | Metro: Grant 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $750 | $124,907 | 0.6% | D |
| 2BR | $940 | $153,712 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $201,698 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,260 | $250,401 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $1,462 | $258,956 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26726, located in Keyser, WV, presents an interesting mix of yield and stability factors that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider.
Starting with yield, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26726 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This figure contrasts with the local market rent of $771, indicating a potential subsidy-driven rental market. The median home value in the area is $179,264, which is relatively low compared to many other regions across the United States. This suggests that the property acquisition cost could be lower, potentially increasing the overall yield when considering rental income versus mortgage payments.
Moving on to stability, the rental market in ZIP 26726 has 24.1% of residents classified as renters. While this percentage is not exceptionally high, it does provide a baseline for occupancy rates. The average income in the area is $70,944, which is a critical factor for assessing the financial health of potential tenants. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to gauge the speed at which properties can be rented out, leaving some uncertainty regarding the turnover rate and vacancy risks.
Based on these figures, ZIP 26726 appears to be a moderate-stability market with above-average yield potential, primarily driven by the subsidy gap between the FMR and market rent. It is not a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market, as the low median home value and the presence of a subsidy indicate a more traditional rental scenario. Nor is it a steady-cashflow zone, due to the relatively low percentage of renters and the unknown DOM metric, which could suggest higher vacancy risks.
To conclude, ZIP 26726 offers opportunities for investors looking to leverage subsidies for higher rental income but requires careful consideration of the stability factors such as tenant income levels and the potential for longer vacancy periods. The combination of a moderate subsidy yield and modest stability characteristics places this market somewhere in between a pure flip-style opportunity and a stable cash-flow investment.
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.