Location: Brunswick County, NC | Metro: Brunswick County, 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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,506 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,032 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,184 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,300 | $206,298 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,790 | $258,899 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 28420 (Ash, NC, Brunswick County) reveals a competitive rental environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,040 per month, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates a market rent of $1,135 per month. This means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, but landlords must be prepared to offer slightly below market rents to attract these tenants.
The median home value in this ZIP code is $271,745. Using the HUD FMR of $1,040, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 4.6%, which suggests that the rental market is relatively stable compared to the housing market. However, this also implies that landlords may find it challenging to cover all expenses solely through the voucher payments without optimizing unit costs or having premium units that command higher rents.
Given the absence of specific data on the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, it's important to note that these factors can significantly influence the rent-versus-buy dynamics. In general, a lower DOM and fewer instances of price cuts indicate a strong seller's market, which could support higher rents and better cashflow opportunities for landlords.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 28420 is likely to be stability. With a moderate rent-to-price ratio and a steady demand for rental properties, landlords can expect consistent cashflow and minimal risk of vacancy, making this area an attractive option for long-term investment.
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.