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 | $104,852 | 0.95% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $180,043 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $246,823 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 45619, located in Chesapeake, OH, within the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45619 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $970, while the market rent stands at $881. This creates a positive spread of $89 per unit, allowing landlords to receive a higher rental income through the Section 8 program compared to the local market rates.
The median home value in ZIP 45619 is $141,535, which is relatively low, indicating that the area is affordable for both tenants and landlords. This affordability ensures that the demand for subsidized housing remains high, making it easier for landlords to maintain occupancy levels. Furthermore, the positive spread between the FMR and the market rent means that landlords can cover their mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses while still generating a profit.
While ZIP 45619 does not present significant opportunities for appreciation, given the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), it excels as a reliable source of steady cash flow. The Section 8 program guarantees a consistent income stream, protected from fluctuations in the local rental market. Landlords can depend on the federal government's reimbursement schedule, which typically covers the difference between the tenant's contribution and the FMR, ensuring timely and predictable payments.
The renter share in ZIP 45619 is 23.4%, and the median income is $58,453. These figures suggest that there is a substantial population eligible for the Section 8 program, given that the program targets individuals whose income is at or below 50% of the area median income. Therefore, landlords can expect a steady pool of potential tenants who qualify for the program.
In summary, ZIP 45619 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the area's affordability and the high eligibility rate for the Section 8 program. This makes it an ideal choice for landlords seeking stable and predictable returns on their investments.
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.