Fayette County, WV — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢STRONG— excellent cash flow marketData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Fayette County, WV has a median cap rate of 10.9%, making it one of the top cash-flowing rental markets in the United States.
Fayette County is one of the strongest cash flow markets in the data. With a median home price of $92,422, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,155/month, the 10.9% cap rate tells the story. A typical rental here cash flows +$324/month after all expenses — strong passive income from day one.
The market passes the 1% rule (1.28%), which is increasingly rare and signals strong rent-to-price fundamentals. DSCR of 1.71 means the property's income comfortably covers debt service — DSCR loans should be easy to qualify for here.
Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Fayette County is a cash flow market — don't expect rapid appreciation, but the checks come in every month.
Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Cap Rate
10.9%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$324
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
6.7
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.71
Passes lender test
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $92,422
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,155/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 6.7(good)
- 1% Rule
- 1.28%(passes)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 19.6%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.4%(+0.1% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -2.3% YoY
Property Tax Rate
0.57%
of assessed value (WV avg)
Median Income
$50,884
household (WV avg)
Rent-to-Income
27.2%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,155/mo
3BR voucher payment
WV Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
7/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
0.57% effective
Population Trend
-2.3% (3yr)