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)
The ZIP code 28442 has a population of 1,810 residents, with 15.9% identified as renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters, suggesting that the availability of Section 8 vouchers might be relatively scarce compared to areas with higher percentages of renters. The median household income in this ZIP is $60,964, which provides a baseline for understanding the economic context of potential tenants.
In terms of rental affordability, the average market rent stands at $839 per month. Given the median income of $60,964, this means that the typical rent consumes approximately 16.7% of the local income. To calculate this, we take the annual rent ($839 * 12 months) and divide it by the median household income ($60,964), then multiply by 100 to get the percentage. This figure suggests that the rent is reasonably affordable for the majority of residents.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930, which is set for fiscal year 2026, we see that the actual market rent is slightly below the FMR. This implies that landlords in this ZIP might have some flexibility in setting their rents without exceeding the FMR threshold, which is important for eligibility under the Section 8 program.
The type of tenant profile a landlord in ZIP 28442 can expect is likely to be individuals or families who rely on Section 8 vouchers due to financial constraints but still fall within a middle-income range. These tenants will generally have a household income that allows them to contribute a portion of the rent beyond what the voucher covers, making them viable candidates for properties in this ZIP code. However, given the homeowner-dominated nature of the area, landlords may find that the competition for voucher holders is lower, potentially leading to a smaller pool of Section 8 tenants.
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.