Location: Sampson 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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $92,144 | 1.23% | A |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $147,252 | 1.03% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 28441 in Garland, NC, the primary risk factors for Section 8 investments include high tenant turnover, significant vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance issues. The market rent stands at $952, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1290 for fiscal year 2024. This disparity suggests that tenants may be more likely to leave once their voucher ends, seeking higher quality housing at the FMR rate. Vacancy exposure is heightened due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM), indicating potential difficulties in quickly filling vacancies. Additionally, the typical home value in the area is $89,243, while the median income is only $51,250. This combination can lead to deferred maintenance as property owners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 20.3% in Garland offers a silver lining. High renter density generally translates into greater demand for rental properties, including those accepting Section 8 vouchers. This increased demand can help mitigate some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and vacancy exposure, as there is a larger pool of potential tenants to draw from.
The verdict for ZIP code 28441 is moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. While the risks are present, the strong demand for rentals provides a stabilizing factor in the market.
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.