Location: Columbus County, NC | Metro: Bladen County, NC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 28423, located in Columbus County, NC metro, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,100, which exceeds the current market rent of $893. This $207 difference ensures a steady and reliable source of income above what the market would typically offer.
The median home value in ZIP 28423 stands at $171,471. Given the FMR, landlords can secure rental agreements that provide a higher return on investment compared to the actual property values. This makes it particularly attractive for investors looking to generate consistent cash flow from their properties.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers have their place in a real estate investment portfolio, ZIP 28423's characteristics make it most suitable for cash flow generation. The significant spread between the FMR and the market rent indicates that there is less risk associated with vacancy rates, as the guaranteed income from Section 8 tenants is higher than what non-subsidized renters might pay. This stability is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors who need to rely on predictable income streams.
The high renter share of 20.2% and median income of $52,250 suggest that there is a substantial demand for rental housing in the area, but these factors do not significantly influence the decision to classify ZIP 28423 as a cash-flow anchor. Instead, they support the idea that there is a healthy rental market, which can be beneficial for maintaining occupancy levels and managing properties effectively.
In conclusion, ZIP 28423 should be considered a key component for cash flow in a Section 8 portfolio due to the favorable financial metrics. The $207 spread between the FMR and market rent provides a solid foundation for generating above-market returns, making it an ideal choice for investors focused on consistent income generation.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.