Location: Lawrence County, KY | Metro: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $80,146 | 1.25% | A |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $181,625 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $267,333 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 41129 (Catlettsburg, KY) on the yield and stability axes reveals a unique market dynamic. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 2024 stands at $860, which is notably higher than the market rent of $720. This indicates a potential for higher rental income compared to typical market rates, suggesting a relatively high-yield environment.
However, when considering the home value of $137,401, the yield advantage becomes less pronounced. The disparity between FMR and market rent suggests that landlords can charge more than what the market currently dictates, leading to an above-average return on investment. Yet, the low percentage of renters—only 15.8%—implies limited demand, which could affect the ability to consistently achieve these higher rents.
Moving to the stability axis, the lack of data on the average days on market (DOM) is concerning, as it indicates uncertainty about how quickly properties can be rented out. Additionally, the median household income of $60,885 provides some insight into the economic conditions of the area but does not guarantee stable cash flows due to the low renter population.
Based on these figures, ZIP 41129 appears to be a market that offers opportunities for high yields but lacks the stability required for consistent cash flow. The combination of a strong FMR relative to market rent and a low renter population points towards a scenario where landlords might see significant returns if they can attract tenants willing to pay higher rents, but the risk of vacancies is elevated. Therefore, this market is best classified as a high-yield/low-stability environment, suitable for those looking to take on more risk for potentially higher rewards rather than seeking a steady and predictable cash flow.
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.