Location: Macon County, NC | Metro: Jackson County, NC
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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,090 | $402,012 | 0.27% | F |
| 2BR | $1,290 | $628,326 | 0.21% | F |
| 3BR | $1,570 | $1,112,478 | 0.14% | F |
| 4BR | $1,690 | $1,885,823 | 0.09% | F |
| 5BR | $1,960 | $2,714,835 | 0.07% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 28741, located in Highlands, NC, within the Macon County, NC metro area, serves as a critical component in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. It stands out as a cash-flow anchor due to the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rents. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is set at $1,230, while the average market rent in ZIP 28741 is only $836. This discrepancy means that landlords can potentially benefit from higher rental income compared to the local market rates, securing a steady and reliable cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 28741 is an impressive $1,044,228, indicating a high-end residential market. However, the primary focus for a Section 8 strategy should be on the rental dynamics. The fact that the FMR exceeds the local market rent suggests that properties in this ZIP code can attract Section 8 tenants who are willing to pay the higher subsidy rate. This makes ZIP 28741 particularly attractive for landlords looking to stabilize their cash flow through a program that guarantees timely rent payments.
While ZIP 28741 offers opportunities for appreciation plays and diversification, its strongest attribute within a Section 8 context is its potential as a cash-flow anchor. The low price-cut share of 0.1% and the median income of $70,392 indicate a stable economy with minimal need for rent concessions, further supporting the idea of using this ZIP code to secure consistent rental income. Additionally, with a renter share of 24.7%, there is a reasonable demand for rental units, ensuring that vacancies remain low and cash flow remains steady.
In conclusion, ZIP 28741 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords can leverage the difference between the FMR and market rents to ensure financial stability and predictability, which is crucial for managing a property investment portfolio effectively.
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.