Location: Rutherford County, NC | Metro: Avery 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $183,212 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $271,856 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $370,302 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $1,578 | $474,112 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
241,603 is the median home value in ZIP 28752 (Marion, NC), providing a solid baseline for property investments. 27.1% of residents are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties. The $950 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 contrasts sharply with the $777 average market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, suggesting that landlords can potentially charge closer to the FMR without alienating tenants. With a median income of $55,783, most residents can afford rents up to the FMR, making the area financially viable for rental investments. The day DOM (days on market) figure is not available, which could imply either quick sales or a lack of comprehensive data on property turnover times. However, the 0.2% price-cut share indicates that homes rarely need to be discounted to sell, a positive sign for maintaining property values. Given these metrics, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider Marion, NC, for Section 8 properties due to the favorable balance between median incomes and rental rates.
Investing in Marion, NC, means capitalizing on an area where the median home value stands at $241,603, and the renter population makes up 27.1% of the total. This percentage reflects a steady demand for rental units, particularly those that align with the $950 FMR set by HUD for the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the actual market rent at $777 leaves room for landlords to increase their rates without exceeding what is considered fair by government standards. The median income of $55,783 supports the ability of residents to meet higher rental costs, enhancing the potential profitability of rental investments. Although the day DOM data is missing, the low 0.2% price-cut share suggests that properties retain their value well, reducing the risk of investment loss. In conclusion, Marion, NC, presents a strong case for Section 8 investments, given the alignment between local economic conditions and HUD guidelines.
Section 8 verdict: Suitable for investors looking to capitalize on a stable rental market with a favorable cost-to-income ratio.
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.