Real Estate Investing in Grafton, West Virginia (26440)
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Should you buy in 26440 (Grafton, 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: 13.4% 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 Grafton, WV (26440)?
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Market Analysis: 26440 Grafton
The 26440 ZIP covers a section of Grafton that demands careful diligence. Prices near $184K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
For an experienced owner, 26440 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $184K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 26440 among WV's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 26440 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. resilient returns are possible in 26440, 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 Grafton:
Property Strategy for 26440
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $146,307 | $1,010 | 5.0% | +7.9% | $73,153 |
| 3BR | $204,973 | $1,280 | 4.5% | +7.0% | $68,324 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26440 Compare?
| Metric | 26440 | Grafton | Clarksburg, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $184,349 | $173,402 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.5% | 5.3% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $909 | $887 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 4.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26440 (Grafton, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $184,349 |
| Monthly Rent | $909 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 26440
Population: 1,364
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What monthly rent should investors expect in Grafton, WV?
Rental rates in Grafton, WV average $909/mo. Tenant demand and $184K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Grafton, WV?
Vacancy risk in Grafton, WV is elevated. That supports predictable cash flow for typical rental holds.
What is the investability score for Grafton, WV?
Yes - Grafton, WV a 3.0/5 investability score. With $184K home prices against $909/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What does house hacking look like in Grafton, WV?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Grafton, WV reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What approach is best for Grafton, WV real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Grafton, WV is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 26440 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26440 ranks in Clarksburg, WV
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