Location: Surry County, NC | Metro: Winston-Salem, NC HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $208,563 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $271,052 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 27053, which encompasses Mount Airy, NC, along with parts of Stokes and Surry Counties, highlights a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1010 per month for fiscal year 2024, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates an average market rent of $769 per month. This comparison shows that voucher tenants can cashflow at the FMR level, providing landlords and small-portfolio investors with a significant advantage.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 27053, which stands at $254,262. Using the HUD FMR of $1010, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 4.76%. This ratio suggests that rental income is relatively high compared to property values, making it an attractive option for investors seeking steady cashflow.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price cut shares are not applicable in this context, as they typically pertain to the buying market rather than the rental market. However, given the strong cashflow potential, these metrics are less critical for Section 8 investors focused on rental income.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 27053 is cashflow, as the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent provides a reliable source of monthly income that exceeds typical market rates.
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.