Location: Sampson County, NC | Metro: Duplin County, NC
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $147,367 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 28453 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median income for households here stands at $61,165, while the market rate for rent is $691 according to the latest Census ACS data. This suggests that the average household may struggle to meet the market rate without financial assistance.
Comparatively, the voucher payment standard of Fair Market Rent (FMR) at $930 for metro FY 2026 is significantly higher than the current market rate. This indicates that households receiving vouchers could potentially afford higher rent payments, making properties eligible for voucher tenants more attractive in terms of income potential.
With 32.4% of the population renting and a total population of 3,206, the competition among landlords for tenants is notable. The affordability gap between the median income and the market rate rent implies that there is a substantial portion of the population that might find it difficult to secure housing without subsidies. As such, landlords who accept vouchers could benefit from a steady stream of tenants, albeit with lower rental income compared to market rates.
For landlords considering their strategy, accepting vouchers means ensuring a consistent tenant base but at a lower rate than the market. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants might yield higher immediate returns but comes with the risk of reduced demand due to the area's affordability issues. The key takeaway is that landlords must weigh the benefits of long-term stability against short-term financial gains when deciding whether to accept vouchers or target market-rate paying tenants.
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.