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 | $1,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,590 | $294,347 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $350,701 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,430 | $405,345 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 28479, located in Winnabow, NC, within the Brunswick County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area, does not align favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1130, whereas the Census ACS indicates a market rent of $1,386. This discrepancy suggests that landlords relying solely on Section 8 vouchers will see a significant shortfall between the actual market rates and what is reimbursed by the government program.
Acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is relatively affordable given the median home value stands at $364,409. However, the lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the low percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts (0.3%) imply that the housing market is stable but not particularly dynamic. This stability can be seen as a positive sign for long-term investment, as it reduces the risk of sudden drops in property values.
Tenant demand in ZIP 28479 is modest. With a total population of 6,581 and only 16.7% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is limited. This demographic characteristic means that landlords might face challenges in finding enough Section 8 eligible tenants to fill their units, especially if they are targeting the lower end of the rental market.
Verdict: While the median home value makes property acquisition in ZIP 28479 affordable, the mismatch between the Fair Market Rent and the actual market rent poses a challenge for landlords. Additionally, the limited renter population suggests that tenant demand is not robust, which could complicate efforts to secure long-term, stable tenancy through the Section 8 program. For small-portfolio investors, this ZIP code offers opportunities but also requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure profitability and sustainability.
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.