Real Estate Investing in Benwood, West Virginia (26031)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26031 (Benwood, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 14.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 22.6% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Benwood, WV (26031)?
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Market Analysis: 26031 Benwood
The 26031 ZIP sits at an solid value-add profile — below-median pricing at $80K, a renter base of 37%, and room for operational improvement.
BRRRR works in 26031 because the math supports it. Buy at $80K, rehab, and the refinance step typically recovers capital in a way that flat-yield markets cannot match.
Regionally, 26031 sits on the affordable end of the Marshall County map. Turning to rents, the absolute numbers are modest, the spread between acquisition price and post-rehab value is wider than in turnkey ZIPs.
The 26031 ZIP's demographic trend has been one of stability with upside — population of 1,556, steady renter share, and an incoming cohort that is willing to pay for improved units.
ZIP 26031 fits investors who can swing a hammer — or pay someone to swing one well. BRRRR, fix-and-flip, and fix-and-hold all work when the rehab scope is matched to the rent lift.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Benwood:
Property Strategy for 26031
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $53,778 | $970 | 13.0% | +2.5% | $26,889 |
| 3BR | $87,269 | $1,250 | 10.3% | +0.8% | $29,090 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26031 Compare?
| Metric | 26031 | Benwood | Wheeling, WV-OH | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $80,497 | $80,497 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.6% | 3.6% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 8.5% | 8.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26031 (Benwood, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $80,497 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 7.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✓ Passes |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 13.0% |
| Cap Rate | 8.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +33.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +10.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The estimated cap rate (8.5%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 26031
Population: 1,556
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 26031
Nearby Schools (3 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Glen Dale Elementary School
Center McMechen Elementary School
John Marshall High School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 916 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical rental rate in Benwood, WV?
Expect rents around $873/mo per month in Benwood, WV. With home values at $80K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How expensive is real estate in Benwood, WV?
Homes in Benwood, WV typically sell near $80K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which even-keeled long-term demand.
Is Benwood, WV a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Benwood, WV rates 5.0/5 for investability. With median values at $80K and rents near $873/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What is the smart move for investors in Benwood, WV?
A value-add and BRRRR deals strategy Benwood, WV best. The market produces consistent results for that approach at the $80K price point.
Does buy-rehab-rent-refinance work in Benwood, WV?
Benwood, WV BRRRR deals are a strong. With proper buy-side discipline, operators can recycle most of their capital post-refinance.
You know 26031 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26031 ranks in Wheeling, WV-OH
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