Real Estate Investing in Rachel, West Virginia (26587)
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Should you buy in 26587 (Rachel, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 16.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -2.1% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 20.4% in the last year.
- Elevated poverty: 34.6% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Rachel, WV (26587)?
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Market Analysis: 26587 Rachel
Homes in the 26587 ZIP trade near $75K, a discount that has historically rewarded investors willing to renovate. Rent comps near $819/mo support the pro forma.
BRRRR works in 26587 because the math supports it. Buy at $75K, rehab, and the refinance step typically recovers capital in a way that flat-yield markets cannot match.
In Marion County, 26587 is part of the operational map, not the passive one. The spread between median price and renovated comp reflects the work available.
On balance, incomes in 26587 sit below the county median, the tenant pool is deep and the demand for upgraded rental stock consistently outruns supply.
The robust opportunity in 26587 is buying the worst house on the block, fixing it, and renting it at the top of the local band. That is the strategy, repeated.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Rachel:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26587 Compare?
| Metric | 26587 | Rachel | Fairmont, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $74,511 | $74,511 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $819 | $819 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 8.6% | 8.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26587 (Rachel, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $74,511 |
| Monthly Rent | $819 |
| Price-to-Rent | 7.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✓ Passes |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 13.2% |
| Cap Rate | 8.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -20.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -6.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -2.1% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The estimated cap rate (8.6%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 26587
Population: 191
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 26587
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
North Marion High School
Marion County Technical Center
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 1,388 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Rachel, WV?
Expect median prices around $75K in Rachel, WV. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
Does the 1% rule work in Rachel, WV?
Rachel, WV delivers a 1.10% rent-to-price ratio on average. Investors targeting the 1% rule will find solid opportunities.
What approach is best for Rachel, WV real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Rachel, WV is value-add and BRRRR deals. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What does house hacking look like in Rachel, WV?
The an attractive house-hack environment in Rachel, WV reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How does Rachel, WV rate as a rental market?
Rachel, WV rates 4.0/5 for investability. With median values at $75K and rents near $819/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 26587 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26587 ranks in Fairmont, WV
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