Location: Huntington-Ashland, WV | 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 | $860 |
| 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 | $113,045 | 0.88% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $168,007 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $233,842 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering ZIP 41144 in Kentucky might raise several concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in rental properties under the Section 8 program. Let's address these objections with the available data.
Objection 1: Will Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $860 for ZIP 41144 in fiscal year 2024 cover the mortgage on a $143,676 home?
The FMR of $860 is the amount that a landlord can expect to receive for renting a property in ZIP 41144 under the Section 8 program. To determine if this will cover the mortgage, we need to calculate the monthly mortgage payment. Assuming a typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 4%, the monthly payment on a $143,676 home would be approximately $695. The FMR of $860 comfortably exceeds this amount, providing a buffer of $165 per month. This buffer can help cover other costs such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 15.7%?
The 15.7% figure represents the percentage of households that are renters in ZIP 41144. While this number is relatively low compared to urban areas, it still indicates a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing. For a landlord, this means that there is a steady demand for rental units, even if it's not as high as in densely populated regions. However, the data does not provide a complete picture of the competition or vacancy rates, which are also crucial factors in assessing demand. It's important to research these additional metrics to make a fully informed decision.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $858 market rents?
The FMR set by the government for Section 8 is designed to reflect the average market rent for the area. In ZIP 41144, the FMR of $860 is slightly above the reported market rent of $858. This suggests that the voucher amount should generally cover the cost of renting similar properties in the area. However, the data does not indicate how frequently the FMR is adjusted to match rising market rents. Investors should monitor any changes in the FMR and local market conditions to ensure that they remain financially viable.
In summary, while the data shows that the FMR can cover the mortgage and there is a consistent demand for rentals, it does not provide all the necessary information to assess the long-term viability of investments in ZIP 41144. Additional research into local market trends and competition is advised.
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.