Location: Dare County, NC | Metro: Dare 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 | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,390 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,806 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,920 | $472,944 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $2,000 | $644,872 | 0.31% | F |
| 5BR | $2,320 | $861,219 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median home value in ZIP 27982 is $665,818, indicating a high-end real estate market. However, the key factor that makes this ZIP code suitable for appreciation rather than cash flow is the low price-cut share of 0.2%. This suggests that the market is relatively stable and that home values are likely to appreciate over time.
Despite the high median home value, the lack of specific market data for rental properties and the absence of median income figures make it challenging to assess the cash flow potential of this area. Moreover, the 0.0% renter share indicates a very low proportion of renters, which is not ideal for cash flow-focused investments. With the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area at $1,430 for fiscal year 2026, the absence of comparable market data further supports the idea that this ZIP code should be approached as an appreciation play rather than a cash flow anchor.
A portfolio strategy focusing on ZIP 27982 would benefit from the long-term capital appreciation potential rather than immediate rental income. Investors should be prepared for a slower moving market, as indicated by the lack of data on days on market (DOM), and focus on the preservation and growth of their investment capital.
To summarize, ZIP 27982 is best suited as an appreciation play within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to its stable market conditions and low price-cut share, despite the high median home value and limited rental market data.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.