Location: Beaufort County, NC | Metro: Beaufort County, NC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 27806, the median income stands at $45,809, which places significant constraints on households when it comes to affording the $935 market rate for rent as reported by the Census ACS. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in metro FY 2026 is set at $930, nearly matching the market rate but still leaving a tight budget for renters.
To put this into perspective, a household earning the median income would allocate approximately 25% of their annual income towards rent at the market rate. This leaves limited room for other essential expenses such as utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation. The slight difference between the FMR and the market rate suggests that there is minimal relief for tenants through voucher programs, making the financial burden of renting comparable regardless of whether they use a voucher or pay out-of-pocket.
The area has a relatively low percentage of renters at 13.8%, with a total population of 2,152. This means that the competition among landlords is likely to be fierce, as the number of potential tenants is smaller compared to the number of available rental units. Landlords must consider the affordability gap and the impact it has on attracting and retaining tenants.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: given the tight margins for renters, those who accept vouchers will have an edge in securing tenants. While accepting vouchers might involve some administrative overhead, it ensures a steady stream of income and reduces the risk of vacancy in a market where many households struggle to meet the high cost of rent. Additionally, landlords should be prepared to offer competitive amenities or pricing to attract cash-paying tenants, as the demand for affordable housing is evident in the data.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.