Real Estate Investing in Craigsville, West Virginia (26205)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26205 (Craigsville, 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: 20.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Lower household income: $36,667 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Craigsville, WV (26205)?
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Market Analysis: 26205 Craigsville
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Craigsville's 26205 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $139K pricing implies.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $139K asset, 26205 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
From an investor standpoint, 26205 offers a low basis, the region around Craigsville has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A impressive renter share of 27% in 26205 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 26205 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Craigsville:
Property Strategy for 26205
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $102,179 | $870 | 6.1% | +7.2% | $51,090 |
| 3BR | $151,020 | $1,120 | 5.3% | +8.2% | $50,340 |
| 4BR | $180,487 | $1,180 | 4.7% | +8.8% | $45,122 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26205 Compare?
| Metric | 26205 | Craigsville | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $139,029 | $146,735 | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 6.2% | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $783 | $834 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 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 26205 (Craigsville, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $139,029 |
| Monthly Rent | $783 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 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 (4.4%). 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 26205
Population: 2,257
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 26205
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Craigsville, WV rate as a rental market?
Yes - Craigsville, WV a 3.0/5 investability score. With $139K home prices against $783/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What is the typical home price in Craigsville, WV?
Craigsville, WV home values average about $139K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $783/mo in monthly income.
What are rental rates like in Craigsville, WV?
Rent in Craigsville, WV is around $783/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $139K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is vacancy a concern in Craigsville, WV?
Craigsville, WV sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WV rental market.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Craigsville, WV?
The landlord environment in Craigsville, WV is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
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