Location: Wilkes County, NC | Metro: Winston-Salem, 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $152,194 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $202,256 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 28642, located in Jonesville, NC, within the Wilkes County, NC metro area, presents an interesting profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 28642 is set at $880 for fiscal year 2024, which is higher than the market rent of $642. This suggests that the rental prices in 28642 are subsidized to some extent, making it potentially attractive for tenants receiving housing assistance.
The median home value in 28642 stands at $191,813, which is notably lower than what might be expected in a premium sub-market. This indicates that property owners in this ZIP could be offering more affordable options relative to other areas in the county, thus attracting a mix of buyers and renters.
A significant 37.7% of residents in 28642 are renters, a figure that exceeds the average renter share typically found in Wilkes County ZIP codes. Given the combination of a below-average home value and a high renter share, it is reasonable to infer that 28642 could serve as a sweet spot for Section 8 properties. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this ZIP code as a potential value pocket, where they can leverage the higher FMR to attract Section 8 tenants while maintaining relatively low property costs.
To further contextualize this analysis, let's examine the specific figures:
These metrics collectively suggest that 28642 is a value pocket within the Wilkes County metro, providing a balance between affordable property ownership and a high demand for rental units, particularly those that cater to housing assistance programs. For investors looking to enter the Section 8 market, this ZIP code represents a strategic opportunity.
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.