Location: Smyth County, VA | Metro: Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $136,390 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $219,898 | 0.6% | F |
| 4BR | $1,400 | $287,515 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 24340, located in Glade Spring, VA, hosts a population of 6,111 residents. With 25.1% of the population being renters, it indicates a modest but present tenant pool. The median household income stands at $70,950, providing a baseline for assessing rental affordability.
The market rent for the area is $846, which represents approximately 12% of the median household income. This suggests that while rent is not exorbitantly high compared to local incomes, it still constitutes a significant portion of monthly earnings. For context, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $920 for FY 2024, indicating that market rents are slightly below the benchmark established by HUD.
The presence of Section 8 tenants can be gauged by comparing the market rent to the FMR. Given that the market rent is lower than the FMR, there is likely a reasonable demand for housing vouchers among the tenant population. However, due to the relatively low percentage of renters, the overall number of Section 8 tenants will not be overwhelming. Landlords should anticipate a mix of tenants, including those who may qualify for vouchers, alongside other renters paying market rates.
To further analyze the potential for Section 8 tenants, consider the following:
In conclusion, while ZIP 24340 has a modest tenant pool, it offers opportunities for landlords interested in Section 8 tenants. The area's rental market is balanced, with a mix of voucher users and non-voucher users, making it suitable for those willing to navigate the complexities of working with both types of tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.