June 2025 | Investor-Focused Analysis
Counties Covered: Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson
Fair Market Rent (FMR) – 2025 Estimates
Based on HUD data, MLS trends, and local market insights:
Unit Size |
Low-End FMR |
High-End FMR |
Typical Counties |
Studio |
$800 |
$1,000 |
Morgan, Berkeley |
1BR |
$950 |
$1,200 |
Berkeley, Jefferson |
2BR |
$1,200 |
$1,500 |
Berkeley, Jefferson |
3BR |
$1,450 |
$1,750 |
Jefferson, Berkeley |
4BR |
$1,650 |
$2,000 |
Jefferson |
Berkeley County
leads in rental demand, benefiting from proximity to Martinsburg and commuting
to DC metro.
Morgan
County offers lower cost entry with steady, smaller market demand.
Jefferson
County shows strong STR potential due to tourism and historic sites.
Occupancy & Rental Demand
County |
Occupancy Rate |
Demand Profile |
Notes |
Morgan |
~90% |
Rural, affordable rentals |
Limited inventory; steady demand from local workers |
Berkeley |
~95% |
Growing commuter and industrial |
Martinsburg area expanding; strong multifamily demand |
Jefferson |
~94% |
Tourism, historic district focus |
STR demand near Harpers Ferry and Charles Town |
Year-Over-Year Rent Growth (Estimates)
County |
Rent Growth (YOY) |
Comment |
Morgan |
2–4% |
Slow, steady growth; good for buy-and-hold |
Berkeley |
5–7% |
Increasing demand with new jobs and commuters |
Jefferson |
6–8% |
Strong appreciation; STR driving rental rates |
Strategy Snapshot: Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals
County |
Best LTR Areas |
STR Potential |
Morgan |
Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw |
Limited; mainly long-term rentals |
Berkeley |
Martinsburg, Inwood |
Moderate; proximity to DC commuters |
Jefferson |
Charles Town, Harpers Ferry |
High; popular tourist destinations support STRs |
Investment Takeaways
- Berkeley
County is the strongest long-term rental market with growing
population and job base.
- Jefferson
County offers the best short-term rental opportunities due to
tourism, history, and events.
- Morgan
County presents an affordable entry point for buy-and-hold
investors seeking cash flow.
- Across
the Eastern Panhandle, low inventory and steady population growth support
solid rental demand.
Estimated Cap Rates (Mid-2025)
Asset Type |
Estimated Cap Rate |
Martinsburg Multifamily |
6.5% – 7.5% |
Berkeley County SFR |
7.0% – 8.0% |
Morgan County Single-Family |
8.0% – 9.0% |
Jefferson County STR |
8.5% – 10.0% |
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