Palestine, WV — Rental Investment Analysis

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Data: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.

Investment Summary

As of 2026, Palestine, WV offers a 7.4% cap rate with median home prices of $124,646 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,150/month.

Palestine offers solid returns for rental investors. With a median home price of $124,646, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,150/month, the 7.4% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$103/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.

The 1% rule comes in at 0.92% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.16 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.

Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Palestine 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

7.4%

Above average

Monthly Cash Flow

+$103

After all expenses

Price-to-Rent

9.0

Investor-friendly

DSCR

1.16

Tight

Key Metrics

Median Home Price
$124,646
Average Rent (3BR)
$1,150/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.0(good)
1% Rule
0.92%(fails — need 1%+)
Cash-on-Cash Return
4.3%
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

Assumptions Used

20% down, 6.52% rate, 30yr, 8% vacancy, 10% maintenance

Customize these numbers →

Property Tax Rate

0.57%

of assessed value (WV avg)

Median Income

$50,884

household (WV avg)

Rent-to-Income

27.1%

Affordable

Section 8 Max Rent

$1,150/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)

Best Zip Codes in Palestine for Investors

26160
Cap Rate: 7.4%Cash Flow: +$103/mo$124,646
26160
Cap Rate: 7.4%Cash Flow: +$103/mo$124,646

All Zip Codes in Palestine

ZipCap RateCash FlowHome PriceRent (3BR)DSCR
261607.4%+$103$124,646$1,150/mo1.16
261607.4%+$103$124,646$1,150/mo1.16