Location: Rockingham County, NC | Metro: Rockingham County, 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $128,382 | 0.79% | D |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $202,759 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $267,350 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 27288 in Eden, NC, is a modest-sized neighborhood with a total population of 22,926 residents. Approximately 37.8% of these residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community relies on rental housing. The median household income in this area is $52,594, which suggests that while it is not a high-income neighborhood, residents have a stable financial base to support their living expenses. The median home value stands at $149,508, making homeownership accessible to many local families.
Moving into the economic landscape for landlords and investors, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 27288 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This figure represents the benchmark for affordable rental units and is crucial for those participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. In contrast, the market rent, as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), is slightly higher at $925. This close alignment between the FMR and market rent signals a balanced environment where landlords can expect reasonable returns without pricing out potential tenants who qualify for assistance.
Considering the investment strategy, ZIP 27288 would suit both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the low discrepancy between FMR and market rent ensures steady cash flow with minimal tenant turnover risk. Meanwhile, value-add buyers could find opportunities to improve properties and potentially command rents above the FMR, leveraging the stable economic conditions and the sizeable rental market share to increase profitability. However, investors should be aware that the success of such strategies hinges on the ability to maintain properties that meet the standards required by the Section 8 program.
In summary, ZIP 27288 presents a viable opportunity for Section 8 investors due to its balanced economic indicators and moderate rental rates. Whether pursuing a passive income stream or an active management approach, the neighborhood's characteristics align well with the goals of both types of investors.
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.