Location: Weirton-Steubenville, WV | Metro: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $104,008 | 1.01% | B |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $127,497 | 1.06% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43963, located in Tiltonsville, OH, presents an interesting scenario for real-estate investors considering the Section 8 housing market. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $860 for fiscal year 2024, compared to a market rent of $865, it indicates that the rental market is slightly above the FMR, which is favorable for landlords who can secure tenants outside of the Section 8 program. However, the median home value stands at $114,173, which is significantly higher than the average income of $56,813 in the area. This suggests that the property values might be inflated relative to the local income levels, potentially affecting long-term stability.
The proportion of renters in the area is 37.9%, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. While this figure alone does not provide a complete picture of the market's stability, it does suggest that there is a reasonable base of potential tenants. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties are being rented out, which could be a key indicator of market stability.
Given these factors, ZIP 43963 appears to be a moderate investment opportunity. It is not a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market because the FMR and market rent are nearly identical, suggesting limited upside for quick flips. Instead, it leans towards a steady-cashflow zone due to the moderate renter population and slight premium on market rent over FMR. However, the relatively high median home value compared to the average income raises concerns about long-term tenant ability to pay, which could impact the stability of cash flows.
To summarize, the primary drivers for this classification are the close alignment of FMR and market rent figures, the moderate percentage of renters, and the potential mismatch between home values and local incomes. For small-portfolio investors looking for consistent returns, this ZIP code could be considered, but they should be cautious about the economic conditions that might affect tenant retention and overall market stability.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.