Real Estate Investing in Morgantown, West Virginia (26501)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26501 (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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.1% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Morgantown, WV (26501)?
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Market Analysis: 26501 Morgantown
The 26501 ZIP in Morgantown, WV is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $224K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 26501 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
ZIP 26501's metrics run below Monongalia County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Looking more closely, 19,640 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 26501 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 Morgantown:
Property Strategy for 26501
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $103,887 | $850 | 5.9% | +3.2% | $103,887 |
| 2BR | $145,118 | $1,070 | 5.3% | +3.5% | $72,559 |
| 3BR | $229,577 | $1,280 | 4.0% | +4.3% | $76,526 |
| 4BR | $303,750 | $1,610 | 3.8% | +4.3% | $75,938 |
| 5BR | $393,536 | — | — | +4.3% | $78,707 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26501 Compare?
| Metric | 26501 | Morgantown | Morgantown, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $224,163 | $102,494 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.5% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $1,447 | $1,518 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% | 4.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26501 (Morgantown, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $224,163 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,447 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.8% |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +16.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.0%). 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 26501
Population: 19,640
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 26501
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 3,687 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Morgantown, WV?
Investors in Morgantown, WV typically see rents near $1,447/mo per month against $224K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
How do experienced investors play Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown, WV investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($224K prices, $1,447/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown, WV offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,447/mo rent level.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Morgantown, WV?
Landlord-friendliness in Morgantown, WV is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
How do home values compare in Morgantown, WV?
Median home price in Morgantown, WV is near $224K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 26501 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26501 ranks in Morgantown, WV
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