Location: Martin County, NC | Metro: Martin County, NC
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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,480 | $127,501 | 1.16% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market in ZIP code 27857, located in the Martin County, NC metro area, presents a unique investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the region is set at $1,030 for fiscal year 2026. However, the market rent data is currently unavailable, which makes it challenging to directly compare the two figures. Despite this lack of specific market rent data, we can still analyze the potential cash flow and other investment aspects.
The median home value in ZIP 27857 is $118,790. Using this figure, we can calculate a rough rent-to-price ratio based on the HUD FMR. Assuming a mortgage payment of around $500 per month, which is typical for a property in this price range, the remaining $530 from the FMR could be considered as potential monthly cash flow. This indicates that voucher tenants would likely cashflow at the FMR, but the margin would be tight, suggesting that only premium units or those with lower purchase prices might offer a more comfortable margin.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this area are influenced by the lack of specific market rent data and the absence of day Median Days on Market (DOM) and percentage of homes that experience price cuts. Nonetheless, the relatively low median home value suggests that the area may be less competitive in terms of home sales, potentially making rental properties more attractive to buyers seeking alternative investment options.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 27857 is likely stability. Given the reliance on government-subsidized rents, there is a consistent income stream that can provide predictable returns. While appreciation and cash flow are important considerations, the steady nature of Section 8 payments can be particularly appealing in a volatile real estate market.
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.