Location: Wilson County, NC | Metro: Wilson 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $870 | $54,937 | 1.58% | A+ |
| 2BR | $1,100 | $107,284 | 1.03% | B |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $189,083 | 0.74% | D |
| 4BR | $1,710 | $278,055 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $1,984 | $332,359 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Wilson, NC (ZIP 27893), the real estate market presents a nuanced landscape for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $173,823, indicating a relatively affordable market. However, the fact that only 0.2% of listings have been reduced suggests that sellers are maintaining their asking prices, reflecting a stable pricing environment. This stability is further supported by the 27-day median Days on Market (DOM), which is a short duration, implying that homes are selling quickly once listed.
The combination of these factors signals that sellers in Wilson possess significant pricing power over the next 12-24 months. With few price reductions and quick sales, it's evident that demand outstrips supply, allowing for potential increases in home values. For landlords, this means that the equity in their properties is likely to grow, enhancing their overall investment portfolio.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is projected at $1,030, while the current market rent, as measured by Zillow's Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $1,198. This gap between FMR and ZORI indicates that the rental market is currently more robust than the federal guidelines suggest. As such, landlords can expect to maintain or even slightly increase their rents without significant pushback from tenants, given the strong demand for housing in the area.
For long-term hold investors, the data implies a realistic appreciation thesis. The low percentage of price reductions and quick sale times suggest that the local economy supports steady housing demand. Over time, this can translate into gradual increases in property values. However, the appreciation rate will likely be modest, driven by the local economic conditions rather than speculative bubbles or rapid growth sectors.
The setup in Wilson points towards a market where investors can expect stable returns from both capital appreciation and rental income. While the median home value remains relatively low, the signs of a healthy market indicate that this is a solid area for those looking to build a sustainable real estate portfolio.
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.