Real Estate Investing in Masontown, West Virginia (26542)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26542 (Masontown, 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: 16.8% 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 Masontown, WV (26542)?
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Market Analysis: 26542 Masontown
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Masontown's 26542 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $172K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 26542 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $172K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Nearby ZIPs in Masontown have seen price recovery that 26542 has not matched. Preston County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 26542 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The 26542 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 Masontown:
Property Strategy for 26542
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $127,744 | $1,020 | 5.7% | +8.1% | $63,872 |
| 3BR | $189,439 | $1,230 | 4.7% | +7.7% | $63,146 |
| 4BR | $242,072 | $1,630 | 4.8% | — | $60,518 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26542 Compare?
| Metric | 26542 | Masontown | Morgantown, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $172,415 | $172,415 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $918 | $918 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26542 (Masontown, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $172,415 |
| Monthly Rent | $918 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.4% |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.2%). 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 26542
Population: 2,120
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
🎓 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
How does Masontown, WV rate as a rental market?
Masontown, WV scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $172K and rents near $918/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Masontown, WV?
The tenant pool in Masontown, WV is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $918/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How much rent can I charge in Masontown, WV?
Rents in Masontown, WV run near $918/mo. Compared with median home prices of $172K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Which investment style suits Masontown, WV?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Masontown, WV. With home values at $172K and rents near $918/mo, other strategies can work but produce steady rather than outsized returns.
What price range are homes in Masontown, WV?
The median home value in Masontown, WV is roughly $172K. That puts it reasonable relative to the WV statewide average.
You know 26542 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26542 ranks in Morgantown, WV
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