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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $119,927 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $200,661 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 45696 in Willow Wood, OH, comes with several inherent risks that landlords and small-portfolio investors must consider. Firstly, tenant turnover can be a significant issue. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 in this area is set at $1010, which is the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental. However, the market rent is currently unknown, suggesting that there might be discrepancies between what tenants are willing to pay and what the government will subsidize. This mismatch can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants seek out better deals.
Vacancy exposure is another critical risk factor. The days on market (DOM) for this area is also unknown, indicating that it may take longer than average to fill vacancies. This extended period can result in lost rental income and increased costs associated with maintaining an unoccupied property. Furthermore, the typical home value in ZIP 45696 is $144,475, while the median income remains unspecified. This lack of data on median income makes it difficult to assess the financial stability of potential tenants, increasing the risk of deferred maintenance issues. Landlords may find themselves responsible for repairs and upkeep without sufficient funds from their tenants.
Despite these challenges, there are mitigating factors that can make Section 8 investments in this area attractive. The renter share in ZIP 45696 is 27.7%, which is notably high. High renter density often translates into higher demand for housing vouchers, meaning that landlords are likely to have a steady stream of qualified tenants. This demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the impact of vacancy exposure.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 45696 is moderate. While there are significant risks related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter share provides a counterbalance that supports a stable tenant base.
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.