Location: Pender County, NC | Metro: Pender County, 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 | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,490 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,803 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,993 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,620 | $297,424 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $444,225 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $2,710 | $577,382 | 0.47% | F |
| 5BR | $3,144 | $658,310 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 28443, located in Hampstead, North Carolina, represents a mixed housing market with a notable presence of renters. With a total population of 28,416, 19.4% of residents are renters, indicating a significant but not overwhelming portion of the market dedicated to rental properties. The median household income stands at $90,477, which provides a solid economic foundation for the area.
The market rent for this ZIP is $1,772 per month, which consumes approximately 19.6% of the median household income. This figure is slightly higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD at $1,450 for FY 2024, suggesting that landlords can charge above the FMR without significantly straining tenants' budgets.
Despite the relatively high median income, the percentage of renters indicates a demand for affordable housing options, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers. However, the actual number of vouchers available in the area might be limited due to the smaller proportion of renters compared to homeowners. Landlords should prepare for a competitive environment for securing tenants with vouchers, as the supply may not meet the full demand given the size of the renter pool.
The expected tenant profile in this area would likely include individuals and families who benefit from the economic stability of the region but still require assistance to afford housing. These tenants would typically have incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is necessary to qualify for Section 8 vouchers. Given the higher market rent compared to the FMR, tenants might face challenges in finding affordable units, making it crucial for landlords to understand the balance between affordability and market rates.
In conclusion, while ZIP 28443 offers a decent tenant pool for Section 8, landlords must navigate the slightly higher market rents and the competition for voucher holders. Understanding the local income dynamics and the specific needs of potential tenants will be key to successfully managing rental properties in this area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.