Location: Sampson 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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $126,730 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,460 | $214,173 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $1,770 | $395,684 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Duplin County's ZIP code 28466, located in Wallace, NC, stands out among other areas due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 8,893 residents, 28.9% of whom rent their homes, the median income in this area is $65,558. The median home value is notably higher at $215,191, reflecting a mix of affordable and moderately priced housing options.
The voucher economics in ZIP 28466 are particularly interesting. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $890, slightly above the market rate of $860 according to the Census ACS. This means that landlords can expect a modest premium when renting to tenants with Section 8 vouchers, making it a potentially attractive option for those looking to secure long-term, stable rental income.
The data signature for ZIP 28466 reads as stable. The relatively high median home value suggests a solid real estate market, while the median income indicates a middle-class community capable of supporting rental prices. The slight increase in FMR over the market rate provides an incentive for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program without facing significant financial strain. For small-portfolio investors, this ZIP code presents a balanced opportunity where the risk of vacancy is minimized by the availability of Section 8 vouchers, and the reward is a steady stream of rental income that aligns closely with the local market conditions.
Summary:
The combination of these factors points to a stable environment for real estate investment, especially in the context of Section 8 tenancy. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the potential benefits of participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 28466, as it offers a reliable path to consistent rental returns.
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.