Real Estate Investing in Saint Marys, West Virginia (26170)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26170 (Saint Marys, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 15.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Saint Marys, WV (26170)?
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Market Analysis: 26170 Saint Marys
The 26170 ZIP covers a section of Saint Marys that demands careful diligence. Prices near $163K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Rent of $810/mo on a $163K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 26170 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader WV picture, 26170 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Employment concentration in 26170 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. solid returns are possible in 26170, 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 Saint Marys:
Property Strategy for 26170
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $121,696 | $900 | 5.3% | +5.1% | $60,848 |
| 3BR | $175,012 | $1,200 | 4.9% | +5.5% | $58,337 |
| 4BR | $206,843 | $1,210 | 4.2% | +5.0% | $51,711 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26170 Compare?
| Metric | 26170 | Saint Marys | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $162,762 | $162,762 | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.7% | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $810 | $810 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - |
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 26170 (Saint Marys, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $162,762 |
| Monthly Rent | $810 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 26170
Population: 6,153
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 26170
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 743 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do home prices stand in Saint Marys, WV?
Saint Marys, WV median home values land near $163K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $810/mo-per-month rentals.
What is the typical renter like in Saint Marys, WV?
Saint Marys, WV offers a steady renter base at the $810/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How tight is the rental market in Saint Marys, WV?
Saint Marys, WV carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $810/mo.
Is Saint Marys, WV good for landlords?
Saint Marys, WV falls under WV landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Does Saint Marys, WV make sense for an investment property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Saint Marys, WV reflects its $163K prices and $810/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within WV.
You know 26170 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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