Location: Robeson 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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $72,413 | 1.56% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $157,505 | 0.96% | C |
| 4BR | $1,870 | $261,894 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 28384, located in Saint Pauls, NC, within the Robeson County, NC metro area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $940, while the current market rent stands at $817. This creates a positive spread of $123 per unit, which landlords can leverage to ensure stable cash flows.
The median home value in ZIP 28384 is $143,276, indicating that property acquisition costs are relatively low compared to other areas. This makes it easier for landlords to maintain profitability even when dealing with subsidized rents. The positive spread between FMR and market rent ensures that landlords receive more than what the market demands, thus providing a buffer against financial uncertainties.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers are also important aspects of a real estate investment strategy, ZIP 28384 does not offer significant potential in these areas. There is no notable percentage increase in property values expected, and the days on market (DOM) for rental units is not provided, suggesting that the market is stable but not rapidly appreciating. Similarly, the renter share at 29.6% and median income at $51,167 do not present a compelling case for diversification, as these figures are typical for the region and do not suggest a high demand for rental properties beyond the current supply.
In conclusion, ZIP 28384 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio. Landlords can rely on the guaranteed higher rent payments from the government, ensuring steady returns on their investments. This ZIP code provides a solid foundation for building a profitable and sustainable Section 8 portfolio.
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.