Location: Bladen County, NC | Metro: Fayetteville, NC 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $152,040 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $244,469 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $1,920 | $362,856 | 0.53% | F |
| 5BR | $2,227 | $436,332 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 28312, which encompasses Fayetteville, NC, Cumberland County, and Bladen County, reveals several key points that impact investment decisions. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,100 for FY 2024, stands above the average market rent of $948 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS).
This comparison indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the HUD FMR rate, providing a stable and predictable income source for landlords. However, it's important to note that this analysis assumes the landlord can secure rental agreements at the FMR level, which may not always be the case due to competition and local market conditions.
To further understand the investment landscape, consider the median home value of $297,165. This figure helps derive a rent-to-price ratio, which is a critical metric for assessing the attractiveness of the market for rental investments. Given the FMR of $1,100, the annual rent would be approximately $13,200, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of about 4.4%. This ratio suggests that the rental market is competitive relative to home values, indicating a strong demand for rental properties.
The median Days on Market (DOM) of 69 days and a price-cut share of 0.3% highlight the efficiency of the local real estate market. These statistics suggest that homes are selling relatively quickly without significant price reductions, implying a robust housing market where both buying and renting are viable options. For investors, this means that holding onto properties for long periods is unlikely, making rental income an attractive proposition.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 28312 is cashflow. With voucher tenants paying at or above the HUD FMR, landlords can expect consistent and reliable income, even when compared to the lower market rent. This scenario provides a clear advantage for those looking to generate steady rental income in a stable and growing market.
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.