Location: Hardy 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,770 | $292,593 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 26755 in West Virginia for Section 8 landlords reveals several critical issues that could go wrong. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a significant challenge due to the disparity between the market rent and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1110 set for FY 2024. Landlords might find themselves competing with other rental options that offer higher rents than the FMR, leading to frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable. This lack of information makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant, potentially causing financial strain due to lost rental income. Additionally, the typical home value in this area stands at $253,307, but the median income figure is also missing, which could indicate a higher likelihood of deferred maintenance. Tenants with lower incomes may struggle to cover additional costs beyond their rent, leaving landlords responsible for maintaining the property's condition.
Despite these risks, there are factors that mitigate the overall investment risk. The renter share in ZIP 26755 is 8.6%, indicating a relatively high concentration of renters. High renter density often correlates with a greater demand for housing vouchers, such as those provided through the Section 8 program. This suggests that landlords who participate in Section 8 could benefit from a steady stream of tenants, reducing the risk of prolonged vacancies.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 26755 is moderate. While challenges such as tenant turnover and potential deferred maintenance exist, the high renter density provides a solid foundation for stable tenant demand.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.