Location: Wilson County, NC | Metro: Greenville, NC MSA
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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,100 | $98,559 | 1.12% | B |
| 3BR | $1,470 | $170,153 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 27852, located in Pinetops, NC, has a population of 2,269 residents, with 18.8% being renters. The median household income in this area is $55,921. Given these figures, it is evident that this ZIP code is not heavily dominated by renters; rather, it leans towards a homeowner-dominated community. This means that the demand for housing vouchers, such as those provided through Section 8, may be less pronounced compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The typical market rent in this area is $886 per month. To put this into perspective, the average rent constitutes approximately 15.8% of the median household income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the monthly rent ($886) by the annual median income ($55,921), then multiplying by 12 months and converting to a percentage. This figure suggests that the majority of residents can afford the typical rent without assistance, given their income levels.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $920 per month for FY 2024, which is slightly above the current market rent. This indicates that the rental market in Pinetops is somewhat below the government's assessment of fair value, potentially offering some relief to tenants seeking affordable housing options.
A landlord in ZIP 27852 should anticipate a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who are likely to have a stable income source, as the median household income is relatively high. However, there will also be a segment of the population that relies on housing vouchers due to lower incomes. These voucher holders would typically be eligible for assistance if their income falls below 50% of the area median income, which in this case would be an annual income of $27,961 or less.
In conclusion, while there is a presence of Section 8 tenants, they do not form a large portion of the total rental market in Pinetops. Landlords can expect a mix of tenants, including those with independent financial resources and others who may require housing vouchers to meet their rental obligations. The relatively low proportion of renters and the modest rental costs suggest a stable and manageable rental environment for landlords.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.