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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,506 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,032 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,184 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,180 | $277,893 | 0.42% | F |
| 2BR | $1,290 | $334,861 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $1,790 | $437,398 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $2,160 | $782,309 | 0.28% | F |
| 5BR | $2,506 | $1,364,757 | 0.18% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 28469, which encompasses Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and is part of the Brunswick County County, Brunswick County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area, is set at $990 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that voucher holders can pay towards their housing costs under the Section 8 program. In comparison, the market rent for the area, as per Census ACS data, is slightly lower at $950. This means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will generally see positive cashflow, but it's marginal given the proximity of the HUD FMR to the actual market rent.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 28469, which stands at $528,031. Using this figure, we can derive the rent-to-price ratio, which is approximately 0.18%. This low ratio suggests that the rental market is relatively strong compared to the property values, making it an attractive area for landlords who are focused on generating steady income rather than capital appreciation.
The median days on market (DOM) for homes in this area is 72 days, indicating a moderate seller's market where properties do not remain unsold for extended periods. Additionally, the share of homes that have been subject to price cuts is a mere 0.3%, which reflects a stable housing market. These factors suggest that while the area might not be experiencing rapid appreciation, it offers a solid foundation for investors looking for stability and consistent cashflow.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 28469 is the cashflow potential, given the slight premium in HUD FMR over market rents. While appreciation is not likely to be the primary driver due to the modest DOM and low price-cut share, the stability of the housing market provides a reliable environment for long-term investment strategies.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.