Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 28434 - 2027
Location: Columbus County, NC | Metro: Bladen County, NC
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$49,643
To determine if a landlord should invest in ZIP code 28434 for Section 8 properties, follow this decision tree:
- Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,040 cover the debt service on a property?
- If the FMR of $1,040 does not cover the debt service, the answer is No. There is insufficient income to support the investment.
- If the FMR of $1,040 does cover the debt service, proceed to the next question.
- Is the market rent above, at, or below the FMR of $1,040?
- If market rent is above $1,040, consider the potential for higher returns outside of Section 8. The answer is It Depends on whether you prefer higher market rents or the stability of Section 8.
- If market rent is at or below $1,040, Section 8 can be a stable source of income. Proceed to the next question.
- Are there enough renters and days on the market (DOM) to ensure demand?
- With 36.2% of residents being renters and an unspecified DOM, the demand appears strong. However, the exact DOM is critical to assess turnover rates and vacancy risks.
- If the DOM is short, indicating quick leasing, the answer is Yes. The combination of a significant rental population and quick leasing suggests a robust demand for Section 8 properties.
- If the DOM is long, suggesting difficulty in leasing, the answer is No. Long DOM periods indicate a risk of extended vacancies which can affect cash flow.
The decision to invest in ZIP 28434 hinges on these factors. A positive outcome on all branches points towards a viable investment opportunity. Conversely, any negative outcome signals caution. The data clearly shows that the FMR is set at $1,040 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, and the rental population is substantial at 36.2%. The key unknown is the DOM, which will significantly influence the final decision.
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.