Real Estate Investing in Baker, West Virginia (26801)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 26801 (Baker, 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: 34.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.2 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Baker, WV (26801)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 26801 Baker
In practical terms, ZIP 26801 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $263K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The 26801 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within WV, ZIP 26801 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Hardy County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and durable enough to shape underwriting.
Resident income in 26801 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 26801 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Baker:
Property Strategy for 26801
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $276,052 | $930 | 2.4% | +11.1% | $138,026 |
| 3BR | $288,517 | $1,140 | 2.8% | +9.2% | $96,172 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26801 Compare?
| Metric | 26801 | Baker | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $263,271 | $263,271 | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.3% | 6.3% | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% | 2.5% | - |
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 26801 (Baker, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $263,271 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.8% |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.5%). 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 26801
Population: 1,441
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 26801
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
What kind of market is Baker, WV for investors?
Our data puts Baker, WV at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $263K and rents around $837/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What is the average monthly rent in Baker, WV?
Expect rents around $837/mo per month in Baker, WV. With home values at $263K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How do home values compare in Baker, WV?
Homes in Baker, WV typically sell near $263K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which reliable long-term demand.
Is WV a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in Baker, WV is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
How do experienced investors play Baker, WV?
The best-fit strategy in Baker, WV is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 26801 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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