Real Estate Investing in Keyser, West Virginia (26726)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26726 (Keyser, 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: 17.9% 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 Keyser, WV (26726)?
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Market Analysis: 26726 Keyser
This part of Mineral County is not an easy win. The 26726 ZIP posts softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
In practical terms, the numbers look inviting — $188K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 26726 is substantial and deserves full respect.
ZIP 26726's metrics run below Mineral County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Resident income in 26726 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 26726 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Keyser:
Property Strategy for 26726
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $120,122 | $690 | 4.1% | +8.0% | $120,122 |
| 2BR | $148,313 | $870 | 4.2% | +7.5% | $74,156 |
| 3BR | $195,948 | $1,150 | 4.2% | +6.7% | $65,316 |
| 4BR | $240,165 | $1,260 | 3.8% | +7.7% | $60,041 |
| 5BR | $252,681 | — | — | +7.4% | $50,536 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26726 Compare?
| Metric | 26726 | Keyser | Cumberland, MD-WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $187,944 | $187,944 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.7% | 4.7% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $783 | $783 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.3% | - | - |
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 26726 (Keyser, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $187,944 |
| Monthly Rent | $783 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.3%). 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 26726
Population: 12,619
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 26726
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Keyser, WV favor landlords or tenants?
WV ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Keyser generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What kind of market is Keyser, WV for investors?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Keyser, WV reflects its $188K prices and $783/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within WV.
How strong is tenant demand in Keyser, WV?
The renter base in Keyser, WV is reasonable for the $783/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields measured tenants.
What is the average monthly rent in Keyser, WV?
Rental rates in Keyser, WV average $783/mo. Tenant demand and $188K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is housing expensive in Keyser, WV?
Homes in Keyser, WV typically sell near $188K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which even-keeled long-term demand.
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How 26726 ranks in Cumberland, MD-WV
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