Location: Brunswick County, NC | Metro: Brunswick 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 | $1,470 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,958 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,578 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,757 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,530 | $279,274 | 0.55% | F |
| 2BR | $1,670 | $323,932 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,190 | $457,550 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $837,461 | 0.3% | F |
| 5BR | $2,958 | $1,620,319 | 0.18% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 28461, located in Southport, NC, has a population of 23,762 residents, with 12.8% being renters. This indicates that it is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy ZIP. The median household income in this region stands at $82,692, which contrasts significantly with the market rent of $1,676.
Typical rent consumes approximately 20.3% of the local median income when calculated as ($1,676 / $82,692 * 100). This percentage is derived directly from the provided income and rent figures. It's important to note that the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,240 for FY 2024, according to the zip code data. This means that the market rent is about 35% higher than the FMR, suggesting that landlords are charging above the federally determined fair market rate.
The lower percentage of renters and the higher market rent compared to the median income imply that the demand for Section 8 vouchers is likely to be less intense. Landlords in this area should anticipate tenants who are seeking assistance due to the high cost of living relative to their income. These tenants will likely have a combined income that is below 50% of the area median income, as required by the Section 8 program, making them eligible for housing assistance.
In summary, while there is a presence of renters in ZIP 28461, it is not a renter-heavy area. The typical rent eats up a significant portion of the local median income, making it challenging for low-income families to afford housing without assistance. Landlords can expect to see tenants who require Section 8 vouchers to manage their housing costs effectively, given the disparity between market rents and the federal fair market rent.
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.