Location: Bertie County, NC | Metro: Bertie County, NC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 27849 represents a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,089 residents. Approximately one-third of these residents are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties. The median household income in this area stands at $46,594, which is relatively low compared to national averages, suggesting that many residents rely on financial assistance programs such as Section 8.
The median home value in ZIP 27849 is $49,725, reflecting an affordable housing market. This affordability is further underscored by the significant disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is set at $1,160, while the Census ACS reports the average market rent at $788. This gap indicates a potential opportunity for landlords who can leverage the higher FMRs to increase their rental income without pricing out tenants.
Given these economic conditions, ZIP 27849 is well-suited for hands-off Section 8 operators. The lower median income and high percentage of renters make it a prime location where tenants would likely qualify for vouchers. However, for hands-on investors looking to add value, there are limited opportunities due to the already low market rents and the modest size of the rental market. A hands-on approach might be more challenging here, as improvements to properties could struggle to justify significantly higher rents given the local income levels.
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.