Location: Bladen County, NC | Metro: Bladen 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,430 | $233,724 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 28337 are significant. First, consider the tenant turnover rate. With a market rent of $658 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 for FY 2026 in the metro area, landlords might face higher turnover rates as tenants seek more affordable housing options. This disparity can lead to frequent vacancies and increased administrative costs associated with screening new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The data shows that the average days on market (DOM) is not available, which suggests there might be unpredictable periods of vacancy. This uncertainty can affect cash flow stability, especially when rental income is crucial for covering mortgage payments and other property expenses.
Deferred maintenance poses a financial risk due to the typical home value of $171,020 and the median income of $36,227. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular upkeep to maintain property standards and avoid costly repairs that could exceed the income generated by Section 8 vouchers. Given these figures, it's important to factor in the likelihood of needing to allocate funds for maintenance and renovations, which can strain budgets if not planned for.
However, these risks are offset by the high renter share of 41.0%. High renter density often translates into greater demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This demand can provide a buffer against vacancy and ensure a steady stream of qualified applicants seeking affordable housing solutions.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.