Location: Pender County, NC | Metro: Jacksonville, NC MSA
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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,297 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,462 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,180 | $364,087 | 0.32% | F |
| 2BR | $1,400 | $372,294 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $1,950 | $447,927 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $2,350 | $734,162 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $2,726 | $1,044,984 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1430. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay towards a tenant's rent under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It does not mean that you will receive $1430 as your rent; rather, it is the ceiling on the government subsidy.
In contrast, the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), which reflects typical market rents, stands at $1794. This suggests that if you're considering a Section 8 property, you'll be renting below the average market rate. The difference between the FMR and the ZORI indicates that there is a potential gap between the government subsidy and what tenants might otherwise pay in the open market.
The 16.9% renter share tells us that nearly one in six residents in Holly Ridge are renters, showing a moderate level of demand for rental properties. While not overwhelming, this percentage ensures that there is a steady pool of potential tenants who could benefit from Section 8 vouchers.
If you're looking to acquire a property for this purpose, consider that the median home value in Holly Ridge is around $520,142. This figure gives you an idea of the capital investment required to enter the Section 8 rental market in this area. Keep in mind that not all homes will fit the criteria for Section 8 eligibility, so you'll need to ensure that any property you purchase meets the necessary standards for size, condition, and amenities.
Before you commit to becoming a Section 8 landlord, verify that the property you intend to rent complies with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary, covering areas such as heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity. Compliance with HQS is mandatory and a critical step to ensure you can participate in the program without facing disqualification.
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.