Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 28751 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 28751

• Mountain Projects, Inc. (Waynesville, NC) - 1,083 Section 8 vouchers
• Waynesville Housing Authority (Waynesville, NC)

To determine if you should buy in ZIP code 28751 (Maggie Valley, NC) for Section 8 investment, follow this decision tree:

1) Does FMR ($1280) clear debt service on a $389,173 property?

• No: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1280 does not cover the debt service on a property valued at $389,173. Debt service includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. With an average property value this high, the FMR is insufficient to ensure profitability.

2) Is market rent ($1,018) above, at, or below FMR?

• Below FMR: The market rent of $1,018 is lower than the FMR of $1280. This suggests that while the rental income may be slightly higher than what most tenants can afford on their own, it still falls short of the maximum allowable rent under Section 8 guidelines. Landlords might consider properties with lower values where the FMR can better support the debt service.

3) Are 16.2% renters + N/A-day DOM enough demand?

• It Depends: With 16.2% of the population being renters, there is a notable but not overwhelming demand for rental housing. The Days on Market (DOM) being N/A indicates either a very active market or limited data available. If the market is active, this could mean quick turnover of properties, which is positive. However, without specific DOM data, it's challenging to assess the competition and vacancy rates accurately. Given the market rent is below the FMR, landlords would need to ensure they can find enough qualified Section 8 tenants willing to pay the higher rate. Additionally, consider the local economy and job market stability to predict future demand.

In conclusion, based on the provided data, buying in ZIP 28751 for Section 8 purposes is not advisable due to the high property values relative to the FMR. The market rent being below the FMR further complicates the profitability. However, if you're considering properties well below the average value of $389,173, and the local economy supports steady demand, it might be worth exploring. Always verify local economic conditions and the specific property's potential for Section 8 occupancy before making a purchase decision.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.