Location: Harnett 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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,320 | $160,754 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,780 | $204,167 | 0.87% | C |
| 4BR | $2,170 | $344,913 | 0.63% | D |
| 5BR | $2,517 | $389,120 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 28390, located in Spring Lake, NC, is situated within the Harnett County, NC metro area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $1210, which is notably lower than the market rent of $1,417. This indicates that while the government-subsidized rental rate is less than what the market demands, there is still a significant gap between the two, suggesting potential for landlords who can offer properties at or slightly above the FMR.
The median home value in ZIP 28390 is $247,998, which is likely below the average home value for typical ZIP codes in Harnett County. Given that 50.7% of residents are renters, this ZIP code shows a higher-than-average percentage of renters compared to owner-occupied homes. This combination of a below-average home value and a high renter share is characteristic of a value pocket within the metro area. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage this situation by targeting properties that cater to renters, especially those participating in the Section 8 program.
To determine if ZIP 28390 is a value pocket, mid-tier neighborhood, or premium sub-market, consider the following:
The high renter share combined with below-average home values suggests that Spring Lake, NC, could indeed be a sweet spot for Section 8 participation. This makes it particularly appealing for landlords looking to benefit from stable, government-backed rental income without having to invest in higher-value properties.
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.