Real Estate Investing in Ravenswood, West Virginia (26169)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26169 (Ravenswood, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ravenswood, WV (26169)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 26169 Ravenswood
This part of Wood County is not an easy win. The 26169 ZIP reflects softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Rent of $864/mo on a $178K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 26169 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader WV picture, 26169 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The 26169 ZIP's population of 837 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
The right play in 26169 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ravenswood:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26169 Compare?
| Metric | 26169 | Ravenswood | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $177,802 | $191,514 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.5% | 5.4% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $916 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% | 3.7% | - | - |
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 26169 (Ravenswood, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 26169 (Ravenswood, WV)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $177,802 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +12.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (3.8%). 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 26169
Population: 837
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 912 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WV a landlord-friendly state?
The landlord environment in Ravenswood, WV is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Does Ravenswood, WV make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Ravenswood, WV ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $178K and rents of $864/mo drive the underlying numbers.
How deep is the rental pool in Ravenswood, WV?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Ravenswood, WV. The rental market absorbs $864/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What is the smart move for investors in Ravenswood, WV?
In Ravenswood, WV the solid play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $178K prices and $864/mo rents suits that approach.
Where do home prices stand in Ravenswood, WV?
Ravenswood, WV median home values land near $178K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $864/mo-per-month rentals.
You know 26169 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 26169 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 26169 ranks in Parkersburg-Vienna, WV
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 26169 (Ravenswood)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 26169 (Ravenswood, WV).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.