Location: Winston-Salem, NC | Metro: Greensboro-High Point, 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 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 | $222,429 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $370,165 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $564,542 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median household income in ZIP 27357, which encompasses Stokesdale, North Carolina, stands at $75,287. This figure is critical when evaluating the affordability of housing for residents. The current market rate for rent, according to Census ACS data, is $866 per month. Given the median income, it's clear that the majority of households can comfortably cover the market rate without financial strain. However, the comparison shifts when considering the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1110 for zip code FY 2024, which is significantly higher than the market rate.
The affordability gap between the market rate and the FMR highlights a potential challenge for landlords. With only 15.8% of the total 9,922 population being renters, the pool of potential tenants who can afford the higher FMR rates is limited. This limitation could result in increased competition among landlords for tenants who qualify for vouchers, which pay up to the FMR.
To put this into perspective, let's break down the numbers. A household earning the median income would spend approximately 12% of their monthly income on the market rate rent. In contrast, if they were to rely on a voucher paying the FMR, they would be spending around 18% of their monthly income on rent. This increase in rent burden could discourage some households from seeking voucher-supported housing, favoring the lower market rate instead.
The takeaway for landlords is clear. While voucher programs offer a guaranteed source of rental income, the higher payment standard may not align well with the local economic reality. Landlords should consider the balance between securing a steady stream of income through voucher tenants and potentially attracting a larger share of the local renting population with competitive, market-rate pricing. This strategy could lead to a more stable occupancy rate and better alignment with the area's economic conditions.
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.