Location: Sampson County, NC | Metro: Sampson 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $133,351 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $206,505 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,400 | $293,720 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $1,624 | $347,041 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 28328, located in Clinton, NC, falls within the Sampson County, NC metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this ZIP is set at $930 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the market rent of $839. This suggests that while government-assisted rents are priced slightly above what the market naturally demands, there is a close alignment between the two figures.
The median home value in ZIP 28328 stands at $154,420, indicating that it is relatively affordable compared to other ZIP codes within the Sampson County metro. Given that the average FMR exceeds the market rent, this ZIP code could be seen as a value pocket for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program, as they might benefit from slightly higher rental rates subsidized by the government.
A key factor to consider is the 34.7% renter share in ZIP 28328. This figure is indicative of a significant portion of the population renting their homes, which aligns well with the characteristics of a Section 8-friendly neighborhood. High renter shares, especially when coupled with below-metro average home values, often point to areas where Section 8 vouchers are more prevalent, making it an attractive location for landlords willing to accept them.
In comparison to typical ZIP codes in Sampson County, NC, ZIP 28328 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood, neither at the high end nor the low end of the spectrum. Its below-average home values and above-average renter share suggest it is a good fit for small-portfolio investors looking to tap into the rental market, particularly those interested in properties that can benefit from Section 8 subsidies.
To summarize, ZIP 28328 presents itself as a value pocket within the Sampson County, NC metro due to its favorable balance between market rent and FMR, along with its relatively low home values and substantial renter share. These conditions make it a promising area for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking opportunities in the rental sector.
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.