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)
ZIP code 28455 within Columbus County, NC stands out when compared to typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 28455 is set at $950 for the fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the market rent figure of $787. This suggests that while government-subsidized rents are higher, private market rents remain lower, indicating a potential value pocket for investors.
The median home value in 28455 is $194,810, which is likely representative of the broader Columbus County, NC area. However, the renter share in 28455 is 38.4%, significantly higher than the typical 25-30% range seen in many suburban areas. This high percentage of renters combined with below-average market rents can be a strong indicator of a Section 8 sweet spot, where there is a substantial number of tenants eligible for housing assistance.
A comparison to other ZIP codes in the Columbus County, NC metro would reveal that 28455 has a higher concentration of rental properties relative to homeownership. This could mean that landlords in 28455 have an advantage due to the higher demand for rentals, especially those willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. The discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent also suggests that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can potentially charge higher rents, closer to the FMR, without pricing themselves out of the local market.
In summary, 28455 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Columbus County, NC metro, with a strong presence of rental properties and a significant portion of tenants benefiting from Section 8 assistance. This combination makes it a strategic investment opportunity for landlords looking to capitalize on government subsidies while offering affordable housing options.
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.