Parkersburg, WV — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢GOOD— solid returnsData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Parkersburg, WV offers a 6.5% cap rate with median home prices of $153,039 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,250/month.
Parkersburg offers solid returns for rental investors. At $153,039 median home price, Parkersburg is affordable by national standards and within reach for most conventional loans. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,250/month, the 6.5% cap rate tells the story. At current prices and rates, expect to lose about $6/month — negative cash flow unless you put more down or find below-market deals.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.84% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.02 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.
Bottom line: Parkersburg offers a balance of moderate cash flow and growth potential. Good for investors who want some income while building equity over time.
Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Cap Rate
6.5%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
-$6
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
10.2
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.02
Tight
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $153,039
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,250/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 10.2(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.84%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 0.6%
- 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
29.5%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,250/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)