Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 26451 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 26451

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

When considering whether to purchase a property in ZIP code 26451 for Section 8 investment, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is $870. For a property valued at $139,135, determine if the FMR can cover the debt service. A DSCR of at least 1 is required for the rental income to meet the mortgage payments. If the mortgage payment plus other expenses exceed $870 per month, then the answer is No. Otherwise, proceed to Step 2.
• Step 2: Market Rent vs. FMR: The average market rent in ZIP 26451 is $644, according to the Census ACS. Compare this figure to the FMR of $870. If the market rent is significantly lower than the FMR, there's an opportunity to increase rents towards the FMR level, which means Yes. If the market rent is already at or above the FMR, then consider the next step.
• Step 3: Demand Analysis: In ZIP 26451, 15.6% of residents are renters. The days on market (DOM) for properties is listed as N/A, which could indicate that there isn't sufficient data to assess how quickly rental units are being filled. Given the percentage of renters, if you find that the rental market is robust and units are filling within a reasonable timeframe despite the lack of DOM data, then the answer is It Depends. You would need to conduct further research into local vacancy rates and tenant turnover to make a definitive decision.

In summary, for ZIP 26451, the potential for Section 8 investment hinges on the ability of the FMR to cover debt service, the gap between market rent and FMR, and the overall demand for rentals. If the FMR does not clear debt service, do not invest. If market rent is below FMR, and there is sufficient demand, consider investing. If market rent is near or above FMR, or if demand is unclear due to insufficient data on DOM, further investigation is needed before making a final decision.

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.