Real Estate Investing in Romney, West Virginia (26761)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26761 (Romney, WV)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 22.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 20.7% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Higher unemployment: 8.0% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
- Lower household income: $25,112 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• 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 Romney, WV (26761)?
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Market Analysis: 26761 Romney
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Romney's 26761 ZIP sits at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $258K pricing implies.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 26761 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader WV picture, 26761 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
A significant renter share of 24% in 26761 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
New investors are better served looking at Romney's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 26761. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Romney:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26761 Compare?
| Metric | 26761 | Romney | Winchester, VA-WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $257,851 | $264,394 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.6% | 6.9% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $1,278 | $1,278 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26761 (Romney, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $257,851 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,278 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 26761
Population: 513
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romney, WV a good market for FHA house hackers?
Romney, WV is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $258K price point reasonable to enter.
What is the typical renter like in Romney, WV?
Tenant quality in Romney, WV ranks as solid. Landlords generally report measured occupancy at market rents of $1,278/mo.
Does Romney, WV favor landlords or tenants?
Romney, WV operates under WV law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect consistent treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is Romney, WV a smart market for rental property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Romney, WV ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $258K and rents of $1,278/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is the average home sale price in Romney, WV?
Expect median prices around $258K in Romney, WV. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
You know 26761 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 26761 ranks in Winchester, VA-WV
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