Location: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR | Metro: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,392 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,684 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 00953 covers Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a bustling urban hub often referred to as the "Pork Rind Capital" due to its long-standing culinary tradition. This area is densely populated and serves as a key commercial center within the San Juan metropolitan area. A major driver of local stability and foot traffic is the Bayamón Medical Center, which anchors the healthcare sector and provides consistent employment for residents. The neighborhood is characterized by a mix of residential subdivisions and busy commercial corridors, offering landlords a tenant base that values proximity to major highways and urban amenities.
From a financial perspective, the data presents a clear arbitrage opportunity for voucher holders. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit is set at $730 for FY2026, while the Census ACS reports the prevailing market rent at just $687. This creates a positive gap of $43 per month, meaning a Section 8 tenant can afford to pay more than what the typical market tenant currently offers. Unfortunately, median home values and median days on market are data not available, so we cannot assess equity appreciation or turnover speed at this time.
Demand for affordable housing is underpinned by a renter share of 19.3% and a median household income of $36,099. With local earnings below national averages, the Section 8 program is often essential for families to secure quality housing. While specific school ratings are not the primary driver here, the area’s connectivity to the Tren Urbano rail system and major retail plazas enhances its desirability for working-class renters who rely on public transit.
The Section 8 verdict for Bayamón is unequivocally focused on cashflow. The specific FMR-to-market rent gap of $43 indicates that investors can secure guaranteed payments at rates higher than the neighborhood average, a rare favorable spread. Without appreciation data to lean on, the strongest investment angle here is the stability of government-subsidized income in a market where private wages are relatively low.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.