Real Estate Investing in Parkersburg, West Virginia (26101)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26101 (Parkersburg, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
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.
What’s happening in Parkersburg, WV (26101)?
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Market Analysis: 26101 Parkersburg
From an investor standpoint, ZIP 26101 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $134K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The 26101 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within WV, ZIP 26101 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Wood County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and durable enough to shape underwriting.
A significant renter share of 34% in 26101 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. impressive returns are possible in 26101, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Parkersburg:
Property Strategy for 26101
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $68,897 | $740 | 7.7% | +8.1% | $68,897 |
| 2BR | $95,704 | $920 | 6.9% | +8.7% | $47,852 |
| 3BR | $145,933 | $1,180 | 5.8% | +6.6% | $48,644 |
| 4BR | $180,444 | $1,240 | 4.9% | +6.0% | $45,111 |
| 5BR | $247,690 | — | — | +5.9% | $49,538 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26101 Compare?
| Metric | 26101 | Parkersburg | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $133,816 | $155,734 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.4% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $936 | $859 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% | 4.4% | - | - |
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 26101 (Parkersburg, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $133,816 |
| Monthly Rent | $936 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.4% |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 26101
Population: 28,571
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 26101
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 1,101 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rents high in Parkersburg, WV?
Investors in Parkersburg, WV typically see rents near $936/mo per month against $134K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Which real estate strategy fits Parkersburg, WV?
Most investors in Parkersburg, WV run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
How strong is Parkersburg, WV for real estate investors?
Yes - Parkersburg, WV a 3.0/5 investability score. With $134K home prices against $936/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Is rental property easy to operate in Parkersburg, WV?
For rental operators, Parkersburg, WV rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Parkersburg, WV?
Parkersburg, WV sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WV rental market.
You know 26101 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26101 ranks in Parkersburg-Vienna, WV
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