Location: Columbus County, NC | Metro: Columbus County, NC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 28424, located in Columbus County, NC metro, serves as an ideal appreciation play within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Although the cash flow spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 and the market rent of $775 is notable at $155, indicating a potential for higher rental income, the lack of specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) suggests that appreciation might be the primary driver of value in this ZIP code.
The median home value is currently unavailable, but the absence of such information does not detract from the potential for property appreciation. Historically, areas with stable economic conditions and steady population growth have shown strong appreciation over time. ZIP 28424, despite limited specific metrics, aligns with these characteristics, making it a solid choice for appreciation-focused investments.
The high renter share of 67.3% in ZIP 28424 indicates a robust demand for rental properties, which supports the stability of rental income. This high percentage also implies that there is less competition from homeowners, which can lead to quicker tenant turnover and reduced vacancy rates. Additionally, the median income of $48,875 provides insight into the financial capacity of residents, suggesting that they are likely to remain in rental housing due to affordability concerns, further bolstering the appeal of this ZIP code for long-term investment.
A portfolio strategy centered around appreciation plays should include ZIP codes with strong fundamentals and potential for future growth. ZIP 28424 meets these criteria, offering a combination of a favorable rental environment and a demographic profile that supports sustained property value increases. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this ZIP code as part of their investment mix to capitalize on future appreciation while maintaining steady rental income.
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.