Real Estate Investing in Morgantown, West Virginia (26508)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26508 (Morgantown, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Morgantown, WV (26508)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 26508 Morgantown
ZIP 26508 inside Monongalia County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $335K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 26508 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Nearby ZIPs in Morgantown have seen price recovery that 26508 has not matched. Monongalia County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 26508 ZIP's population of 39,356 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 26508 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Morgantown:
Property Strategy for 26508
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $124,035 | $930 | 5.4% | +2.0% | $124,035 |
| 2BR | $187,423 | $1,170 | 4.5% | +4.7% | $93,711 |
| 3BR | $295,210 | $1,400 | 3.4% | +4.3% | $98,403 |
| 4BR | $476,039 | $1,760 | 2.7% | +4.8% | $119,010 |
| 5BR | $673,799 | — | — | +5.0% | $134,760 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26508 Compare?
| Metric | 26508 | Morgantown | Morgantown, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $335,287 | $102,494 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.5% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $1,746 | $1,518 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 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 26508 (Morgantown, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 26508 (Morgantown, WV)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $335,287 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,746 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.3% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -0.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.1%). 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 26508
Population: 39,356
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 26508
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 3,228 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vacancy rates like in Morgantown, WV?
Vacancy in Morgantown, WV is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,746/mo.
Is rental property easy to operate in Morgantown, WV?
The landlord environment in Morgantown, WV is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
How does Morgantown, WV rate as a rental market?
Morgantown, WV rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $335K and rents near $1,746/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What approach is best for Morgantown, WV real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Morgantown, WV is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What do landlords charge for rent in Morgantown, WV?
Expect rents around $1,746/mo per month in Morgantown, WV. With home values at $335K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
You know 26508 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 26508 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 26508 ranks in Morgantown, WV
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 26508 (Morgantown)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 26508 (Morgantown, WV).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.