Location: Robeson County, NC | Metro: Robeson 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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $89,139 | 1.13% | B |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $157,280 | 0.82% | C |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $234,255 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 28372, located in Pembroke, NC, within the Robeson County metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $930, while the market rent stands at $746. This $184 difference represents a significant spread that ensures steady, reliable cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 28372 is $147,630, indicating that properties in this area are relatively affordable. This affordability, combined with the higher FMR, makes it easier for landlords to maintain positive cash flow even when dealing with the administrative aspects of Section 8 housing.
ZIP 28372 does not present itself as an appreciation play due to the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM). These metrics would typically be used to gauge the potential for property value increases, but their absence suggests that appreciation should not be the primary focus for investors looking at this ZIP code.
While ZIP 28372 could serve as a diversifier given the 39.6% renter share and median income of $36,552, its strongest attribute remains as a cash-flow anchor. The high proportion of renters and lower median income align well with the income eligibility requirements for Section 8 tenants, ensuring a stable tenant base.
To summarize, ZIP 28372 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The substantial spread between the FMR and market rent, along with the affordability of homes in the area, supports this conclusion. Landlords can expect consistent rental income without the need for frequent rent adjustments or property turnovers.
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.