Location: Surry County, NC | Metro: Surry County, NC
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $190,194 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $280,303 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 27017 in Dobson, North Carolina, reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Surry County metro area, effective for fiscal year 2026, is set at $930. This figure stands above the current market rent of $704, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), indicating that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we can use the median home value of $256,514. Given the market rent of $704, the ratio is approximately 0.27%. This suggests that rental income is relatively low compared to property values, which could be a consideration for investors looking at both rental and potential appreciation angles.
The days on market (DOM) and price cut percentages are noted as N/A, implying that there might be limited data available on recent sales activity in the area. However, this does not necessarily affect the primary focus for Section 8 investors, who are primarily concerned with stable, long-term rental income.
The strong cashflow potential due to the gap between HUD FMR and market rent makes this ZIP code an attractive option for investors seeking reliable returns. While appreciation may be slower given the current rent-to-price ratio, the stability provided by government-backed vouchers offers a secure investment opportunity. Therefore, the strongest angle for investors in ZIP 27017 is cashflow, with the potential for steady, positive returns from renting to voucher tenants.
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.