Real Estate Investing in Kingwood, West Virginia (26537)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26537 (Kingwood, 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: 14.9% 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 Kingwood, WV (26537)?
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Market Analysis: 26537 Kingwood
In practical terms, ZIP 26537 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $180K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
For an experienced owner, 26537 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $180K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 26537 among WV's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 26537 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.
seems to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Kingwood:
Property Strategy for 26537
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $119,450 | $960 | 5.8% | +7.4% | $59,725 |
| 3BR | $186,101 | $1,160 | 4.5% | +6.3% | $62,034 |
| 4BR | $236,074 | $1,610 | 4.9% | +5.8% | $59,019 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26537 Compare?
| Metric | 26537 | Kingwood | Morgantown, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $180,073 | $180,073 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.8% | 4.8% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% | 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 26537 (Kingwood, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $180,073 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.7%). 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 26537
Population: 5,392
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 26537
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 strong are rents in Kingwood, WV?
The typical rental in Kingwood, WV commands about $864/mo monthly. That rent profile reliable cash flow against the $180K purchase basis.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Kingwood, WV?
Occupancy in Kingwood, WV runs reliable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $864/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What is the investability score for Kingwood, WV?
Yes - Kingwood, WV a 3.0/5 investability score. With $180K home prices against $864/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How strict are landlord regulations in Kingwood, WV?
Kingwood, WV operates under WV law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect reliable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the typical renter like in Kingwood, WV?
Kingwood, WV offers a stable renter base at the $864/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 26537 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26537 ranks in Morgantown, WV
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