Location: Sussex County, DE | Metro: Dover, DE MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,396 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,566 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,520 | $246,821 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $2,090 | $348,126 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $2,420 | $413,692 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19952 in Kent County, Delaware, stands out due to its relatively high median income of $76,791 and median home value of $343,362. With a population of 10,908, it has a rental rate of 25.0%, indicating that a quarter of the residents rent their homes. This combination of higher income and home values suggests a stable economic environment where many homeowners can afford to maintain their properties at a decent standard.
Moving into the specifics of voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19952 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1280. This figure is slightly above the market rate of $1260, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The slight premium the FMR offers over the market rate could make it attractive for landlords, especially those who might be hesitant to accept vouchers due to the perception of lower payment reliability. However, the close alignment between the FMR and market rates also indicates that voucher holders can find housing that is both affordable and within the local price range.
Given the data signature of ZIP 19952, it reads as "stable." The median income and home values suggest a community that is financially secure, and the modest difference between the FMR and market rates indicates a balanced rental market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this ZIP code appealing for its consistent economic indicators and the potential for steady returns through Section 8 participation. The slight advantage in FMR over the market rate ensures that voucher tenants can access housing without significantly impacting the landlord's revenue expectations.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.