Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Fairmont, WV
Fairmont sits in the South with a population of 50,000 declining at -0.4% annually. The median home costs $160,000 while rents average $1,000/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 5.56%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Fairmont works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 5.56% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $160,000 median — around $128,000 or less. At this price point with $1,000/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 7.3%. Factor in 0.58% property taxes ($928/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 7.5% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,029.
Population decline (-0.4%) is the primary risk — shrinking markets can see rising vacancy and downward pressure on rents and values. The 7.5% vacancy rate is above the national average, so budget conservatively and screen tenants carefully. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Fairmont property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Fairmont data). Compare Fairmont against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.
Fairmont vs West Virginia state average and national average across key investment metrics. Fairmont beats the national average but trails the West Virginia average on cap rate.