Location: Tazewell County, VA | Metro: Tazewell County, VA
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,150 | $65,765 | 1.75% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 24602 in Tazewell County, Virginia, reveals several key points for potential real estate investments targeting Section 8 tenants.
The rent math does not work favorably due to the lack of market rent data. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $910 for fiscal year 2026, cannot be directly compared against the current market rent, which is currently unavailable. This makes it difficult to assess whether the rental income will cover operational costs effectively.
Acquisition in this area is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $56,991. However, without specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of the affordability of acquiring properties. These missing metrics could indicate the ease or difficulty of selling homes at their listed prices.
Tenant demand appears to be modest but present. With a total population of 1,213 and a significant 33.8% of residents being renters, there is a notable base of potential Section 8 tenants. This suggests that there might be enough demand to fill vacancies quickly, though the overall size of the rental pool is limited.
Verdict: ZIP 24602 presents an opportunity for small-portfolio investors looking to enter an affordable market with a decent tenant demand. However, the lack of current market rent data poses a risk to the profitability of such investments. Landlords should proceed with caution, focusing on areas where the FMR aligns closely with operational costs, and be prepared for potentially longer periods to find suitable tenants given the modest population size. Despite these challenges, the low median home value offers a starting point for building a portfolio in a manageable market.
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.