Location: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC | Metro: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,508 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,683 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,610 | $208,314 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $287,625 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $2,500 | $362,007 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1290 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 28098 in Lowell, NC, for fiscal year 2024. 1603 is the average market rent based on Census ACS data, indicating that properties priced at the FMR level are slightly below the local average. 270,502 represents the median home value in the area, which suggests that homeownership is relatively affordable compared to other regions. 24.4 is the percentage of households that rent their homes, showing a moderate demand for rental properties. 53,000 is the median household income in the area, which is important for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants. Data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut share is not available, implying that there might be limited recent sales activity or that the data is too sparse to draw conclusions.
Given these figures, it's clear that the rental market in Lowell, NC, is balanced but leans towards affordability. The FMR is set at a level that is lower than the typical market rent, which means that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can still attract tenants willing to pay closer to the market rate. However, the median home value indicates that the area is not highly valued, which could affect long-term appreciation potential for investment properties.
The 24.4% renter share suggests that while there is a significant portion of the population renting, it is not dominated by renters, potentially offering stability in the local housing market. With a median income of 53,000, tenants may find it challenging to afford higher rents, making the Section 8 program a viable option for both landlords and tenants.
The lack of recent sales data makes it difficult to assess the volatility of property values, but the existing metrics provide a solid foundation for evaluating the suitability of Lowell, NC, for Section 8 investments. Given the affordability of the FMR relative to market rents and the manageable renter share, the verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP code 28098 is positive, with potential for steady cash flow and tenant stability.
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.