Location: Hardy County, WV | Metro: Hardy 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 | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $285,330 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $301,549 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 26801, located in Baker, WV, represents a modest-sized community with a population of 1,517 individuals. Despite the relatively small size, the rental market holds some interest for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With 12.4% of residents being renters, the demand for rental properties is present but not overwhelming. This percentage indicates that while there is a segment of the population relying on rentals, it is still a predominantly homeowner-dominated area.
The median household income in this ZIP code is $56,429, which provides a benchmark against which the affordability of market rents can be measured. The average market rent stands at $779, which amounts to approximately 14.1% of the median household income when calculated annually. This figure suggests that the typical rent in the area consumes a reasonable portion of local incomes without being overly burdensome.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD at $930 for fiscal year 2026, it becomes evident that the market rent in ZIP 26801 is below the FMR threshold. This discrepancy implies that the housing costs in Baker, WV, are lower than the regional average, potentially making it an attractive location for tenants seeking affordable housing options.
Given these conditions, landlords in ZIP 26801 can expect a tenant pool that is likely to include a mix of low-income families and individuals who might benefit from Section 8 vouchers. However, due to the relatively high FMR compared to the actual market rent, the availability of vouchers may not be as prevalent as in areas where market rents approach or exceed the FMR. Landlords should prepare for tenants who are financially stable enough to afford the local market rates but still seek the benefits of lower-cost housing.
In summary, ZIP 26801 presents a niche opportunity for landlords interested in serving a smaller yet steady demand for rental units. The expected tenant profile includes those who can manage the $779 market rent, representing about 14.1% of the local median income, and possibly some who will leverage Section 8 vouchers to supplement their rental payments. However, the scarcity of vouchers relative to the FMR suggests a focus on tenants who are comfortable with the current rental prices.
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.