Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 27410 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 27410

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

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,500
1 Bedroom	$1,560
2 Bedrooms	$1,700
3 Bedrooms	$2,200
4 Bedrooms	$2,580
5 Bedrooms	$2,993
6 Bedrooms	$3,352
7 Bedrooms	$3,620
8 Bedrooms	$3,801

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

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

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
1BR	$1,560	$146,865	1.06%	B
2BR	$1,700	$206,672	0.82%	C
3BR	$2,200	$325,909	0.68%	D
4BR	$2,580	$458,547	0.56%	F
5BR	$2,993	$576,140	0.52%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 27410 (Greensboro, NC) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 27410 in Greensboro, NC, for 2026 is as follows: - 0BR: $1520 - 1BR: $1600 - 2BR: $1750 - 3BR: $2240 - 4BR: $2580 These figures represent the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay towards rent. However, the actual rents in the area are significantly higher, particularly for two-bedroom units, which have a Zillow median price of $207,221. The price-to-FMR ratio for a 2BR unit is 9.9x, indicating that the median home value is nearly ten times the FMR. This suggests that actual rental costs are likely much higher than the FMR, creating a significant constraint for voucher holders who may struggle to find affordable housing within their budget. #### Affordability & Renter Profile ZIP code 27410 has a population of 54,921, with 37.2% of residents being renters. The occupancy rate stands at 91.1%, indicating a relatively tight market where most available units are occupied. Given the median household income of $85,291, the FMR for a 2BR unit ($1750) represents 24.6% of the median income, which is within the generally accepted affordability range of 30%. However, the high price-to-FMR ratio suggests that many renters, especially those relying on Section 8 vouchers, face challenges in finding affordable housing. The high occupancy rate and the percentage of renters indicate that there is strong demand for rental properties in this area. This tight market makes it difficult for low-income families to secure housing without assistance, highlighting the importance of affordable housing options like those supported by Section 8 vouchers. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 27410 presents both opportunities and challenges. The high occupancy rate and strong demand for rental properties suggest that there could be good potential for cash flow if the investor can acquire properties at or near the FMR. However, the reality is that actual rental prices are likely well above the FMR due to the high price-to-FMR ratio. To determine if this ZIP code is cash-flow positive at FMR, we need to consider the typical rental prices versus the FMR. For a 2BR unit, the FMR is $1750, but the median home value is $207,221, implying that the average rental cost is likely around $1000-$1500 per month more than the FMR. This means that landlords who rely solely on Section 8 vouchers would likely see reduced profitability compared to market rates. Given the high demand and limited supply of affordable housing, the investment grade for this ZIP code would be moderate to high, depending on the ability to secure properties at or below the FMR. Investors should be prepared for the possibility of lower returns if they focus exclusively on Section 8 vouchers. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Affordable Units**: Investors should prioritize acquiring properties that are priced at or below the FMR. For example, a 2BR unit priced at $1750 or less would be ideal for attracting Section 8 voucher holders. This would ensure that the property remains within the affordability range for these tenants. 2. **Consider Mixed-Income Developments**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors might want to explore mixed-income developments where a portion of the units are reserved for Section 8 voucher holders, while others are rented at market rates. This approach can help balance the cash flow and ensure that the development remains financially viable. 3. **Engage with Local Housing Authorities**: Building relationships with local housing authorities can provide valuable insights into the availability of Section 8 vouchers and the needs of the community. This can help investors tailor their offerings to meet the demands of low-income families effectively. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, ZIP code 27410 presents a challenging yet potentially rewarding market. While the high price-to-FMR ratio indicates that actual rents are likely above the FMR, the strong demand for rental properties and the high occupancy rate suggest that there is a solid base of tenants who could benefit from affordable housing. **Recommendation**: **Hold**. Investors should hold off on making large investments until they can secure properties at or below the FMR. Engaging in mixed-income developments or working closely with local housing authorities could provide a more balanced approach to achieving financial viability while supporting the community's need for affordable housing.

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.