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 | $114,274 | 0.88% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $185,950 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $264,870 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Raceland, KY, located within the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH HUD Metro FMR Area, has an FMR of $870 for fiscal year 2024, slightly above the market rent of $827. The median home value in Raceland is $175,474, which is relatively low compared to the broader metropolitan area. With a renter share of 22.2%, Raceland exhibits a higher proportion of renters than many other ZIP codes in the region.
The FMR, which stands for Fair Market Rent, is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine payment standards for housing assistance programs such as Section 8. An FMR that is higher than the market rent suggests that subsidized tenants could potentially afford market-rate housing, indicating a favorable environment for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
Given the lower median home value and higher renter share, Raceland appears to be a value pocket within the Huntington-Ashland metro. This combination typically signals a good opportunity for Section 8 tenants, as it indicates a concentration of affordable rental properties relative to homeownership costs. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find the area attractive due to the potential for stable tenant occupancy rates and demand for affordable rentals.
To further contextualize Raceland's position, consider the following:
In summary, ZIP code 41169 in Raceland, KY, presents itself as a value pocket within the Huntington-Ashland metro. It offers a favorable balance of affordability for both renters and homeowners, along with a higher-than-average renter share, making it an appealing location for those involved in Section 8 housing assistance programs.
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.