Location: Wilson County, NC | Metro: Wilson County, NC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 real estate thesis in ZIP code 27873 is anchored by the significant disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for FY 2026, which is $930, and the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $639. This gap amounts to $291, or approximately 45%, indicating that the government subsidy far exceeds the local rental market price.
The substantial difference makes this area a prime yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Voucher tenants can secure housing at rates above the open-market level, ensuring higher cash flows and returns on investment. For instance, a landlord renting a unit at $639 could receive up to $930 through the voucher program, significantly boosting their net income per unit.
However, the analysis must also consider the broader economic context. In ZIP 27873, 24.6% of residents are renters, and the median household income is $25,625. Given these figures, it is crucial for landlords to ensure that their properties meet the necessary quality and maintenance standards expected by the Section 8 program, to avoid potential penalties or loss of participation.
To summarize, the gap between FMR and market rent in ZIP 27873 presents a lucrative opportunity for landlords who can leverage the higher subsidy levels to improve their investment yields while adhering to the program requirements.
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.