Location: Wheeling, WV | Metro: Wheeling, WV-OH MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 43759, located in the Wheeling, WV-OH MSA metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43759 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $880, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $1,021. This creates a spread of $141 per month, allowing landlords to generate stable cash flow while maintaining a competitive edge over market rates.
The median home value in ZIP 43759 stands at $110,907, indicating that it is an affordable housing market. Landlords can leverage this by acquiring properties at relatively low costs and renting them out through the Section 8 program. Given the FMR, they can ensure a steady income stream without the volatility associated with market rents.
The ZIP code has a renter share of 33.3%, suggesting a moderate demand for rental properties. While not overwhelmingly high, this percentage ensures that there is a sufficient tenant pool interested in renting homes. Additionally, the median income of $63,750 provides insight into the financial stability of potential tenants, further supporting the feasibility of the Section 8 program in this area.
Given these factors, ZIP 43759 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor. The consistent income derived from the FMR, combined with the affordability of property acquisition, makes it a reliable component of a diversified investment portfolio. It offers landlords the opportunity to secure predictable returns without the risks associated with rapidly appreciating markets or highly competitive rental environments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.