Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 28646 - 2027

Location: Avery County, NC | Metro: Avery County, NC

Investment Score for ZIP 28646

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,120

Median Price (2BR)

$449,506

1% Rule

0.25%

Annual Yield

2.99%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$820
1 Bedroom	$900
2 Bedrooms	$1,120
3 Bedrooms	$1,480
4 Bedrooms	$1,760
5 Bedrooms	$2,042
6 Bedrooms	$2,287
7 Bedrooms	$2,470
8 Bedrooms	$2,594

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,120	$449,506	0.25%	F
3BR	$1,480	$1,088,754	0.14%	F
4BR	$1,760	$1,924,084	0.09%	F
5BR	$2,042	$2,772,155	0.07%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

382

Median Household Income

$76,736

Housing Units

1,043

Renter Percentage

N/A

Occupancy Rate

18.5%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 28646, located in Linville, North Carolina, is a picturesque area nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning natural landscapes and a tranquil environment. This region is primarily known for its luxury properties and vacation homes, attracting affluent residents and visitors alike.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030, which provides a benchmark for rental pricing in the area.
The median home value in Linville is notably high at $1,335,925, reflecting the exclusive nature of the real estate market here.
The area has a minuscule 0.0% renter share, indicating that the majority of properties are owned rather than rented out.
The median income in the region stands at $76,736, suggesting a relatively wealthy population capable of purchasing expensive homes.
Due to the limited rental market data available, the exact market rent and days on market (DOM) are currently N/A.

Given the high median home values and low renter share, it's evident that Linville's real estate market is dominated by homeownership rather than rentals. The benchmark FMR can guide landlords on pricing, but the scarcity of rental units means competition is minimal. Investors should focus on long-term ownership opportunities or vacation rental markets, leveraging the area's natural beauty and appeal to tourists. With the local economy supported by a higher median income, there is potential for steady appreciation in property values over time, making Linville a sound investment for those looking to enter the luxury real estate market.

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.