West Virginia premium ZIP codes, ranked
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26003 | WheelingOhio County | $1,009 | $1,300 | $821 | +23% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 2 | 26062 | WeirtonHancock County | $1,007 | $1,298 | $831 | +21% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 3 | 25302 | CharlestonKanawha County | $1,048 | $1,324 | $893 | +17% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 4 | 24740 | PrincetonMercer County | $946 | $1,250 | $865 | +9% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 5 | 25703 | HuntingtonCabell County | $1,006 | $1,287 | $925 | +9% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 6 | 25309 | South CharlestonKanawha County | $1,048 | $1,324 | $1,013 | +4% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 7 | 25701 | HuntingtonCabell County | $1,006 | $1,287 | $999 | +1% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 8 | 26301 | ClarksburgHarrison County | $1,005 | $1,323 | $999 | +1% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent to the ZIP's typical asking rent across all home sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
Closest to parity in West Virginia
These ZIPs sit just below the line. A payment standard above 100 percent of FMR, a utility allowance in your favor, or October's FMR update can push them into premium territory.
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 25313 | CharlestonKanawha County | $1,048 | $1,324 | $1,090 | -4% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 10 | 25064 | DunbarKanawha County | $1,048 | $1,324 | $1,100 | -5% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 11 | 25311 | CharlestonKanawha County | $1,048 | $1,324 | $1,123 | -7% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 12 | 26101 | ParkersburgWood County | $974 | $1,214 | $1,045 | -7% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 13 | 25801 | BeckleyRaleigh County | $972 | $1,346 | $1,044 | -7% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 14 | 26554 | Pleasant ValleyMarion County | $1,071 | $1,331 | $1,171 | -9% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 15 | 25401 | MartinsburgBerkeley County | $1,215 | $1,682 | $1,373 | -12% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 16 | 26104 | ParkersburgWood County | $974 | $1,214 | $1,107 | -12% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 17 | 26505 | MorgantownMonongalia County | $1,143 | $1,404 | $1,315 | -13% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 18 | 26501 | MorgantownMonongalia County | $1,143 | $1,404 | $1,364 | -16% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
How these numbers are calculated
- Voucher rent is the HUD FY2027 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) where it applies, otherwise the county or metro Fair Market Rent. This is the basis housing authorities use to set payment standards, typically 90 to 110 percent of it, and it is a gross rent that includes a utility allowance.
- Typical market rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the ZIP code as of September 2026, a smoothed measure of asking rents across all home types and sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
- Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent against that blended market figure, which is the conservative comparison. Premiums for 3 and 4 bedroom homes are often larger.
- The premium is a screening signal, not a guarantee. Housing authorities run a rent reasonableness review against unassisted comparables before approving any contract rent, and the payment standard is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Always verify with the local housing authority.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents and Zillow Research (ZORI). FMRs effective October 1 each year; ZORI updates monthly.
Frequently asked questions
- Which ZIP code in West Virginia has the biggest Section 8 premium?
- 26003 (Wheeling) currently shows the largest gap: the 2-bedroom voucher rent basis is $1,009 against a typical market rent of $821, a +23% premium.
- How many ZIP codes in West Virginia pay above market rent?
- Of the 27 West Virginia ZIP codes with both HUD and market rent data, 8 currently show a voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent.
- Can I actually charge the full amount shown here?
- Not automatically. The housing authority sets a payment standard between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR or SAFMR, and every lease passes a rent reasonableness review against comparable unassisted units. Treat the premium as a screening signal for where to look, then verify with the local housing authority.