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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $199,202 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $267,953 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $2,380 | $299,148 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Wardensville, WV (ZIP 26851) real estate market offers a unique opportunity for Section 8 investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1110, which is significantly higher than the market rent reported by the Census ACS at $820. This means that voucher tenants can provide positive cash flow at the FMR rate, allowing landlords to earn more than what the local rental market currently commands.
To further analyze the potential, consider the median home value in Wardensville, which stands at $224,093. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. At $820 per month, the annual rent is $9840, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 4.4%. This suggests that the area is undervalued relative to rental income, making it an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on the discrepancy between market rents and FMRs.
The strong cash flow potential is the most compelling angle for Section 8 investors in this ZIP code. With voucher rates exceeding market rents, landlords can secure a reliable source of income without the risk of fluctuating market conditions. Additionally, the stability of the housing market, indicated by the N/A-day median days on market (DOM) and N/A% price cut share, implies that there is little need to adjust prices frequently, thus maintaining steady returns.
In conclusion, the Wardensville, WV market presents a solid investment opportunity primarily due to its strong cash flow potential from Section 8 vouchers, which far exceed current market rents.
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.