Location: Orangeburg County, SC | Metro: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA
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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,460 | $201,750 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 29059, located in Orangeburg County, SC metro, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 29059 is set at $1,380 for fiscal year 2024, which is significantly higher than the average market rent of $651 based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants can cashflow at the FMR rate without any issues, providing a strong financial advantage for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 29059, which stands at $194,518. By comparing this figure to the average market rent, we find a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.33%, indicating that rental income is relatively low compared to property values. However, since the FMR is much higher than the market rent, the effective rent-to-price ratio for Section 8 properties is closer to 0.71%. This suggests that Section 8 vouchers can substantially improve the rental yield for properties in this area.
The median days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, and the price-cut share is 0.3%. These figures suggest that the housing market in ZIP 29059 is stable, with few homes needing to be discounted to sell. While these metrics do not directly impact the decision between renting and buying, they indicate that there is little pressure to sell homes, which could mean that the local economy is steady and demand for rentals remains consistent.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 29059 is cashflow. Accepting Section 8 vouchers allows landlords to secure rental income that is well above the current market rate, providing a reliable and profitable source of income in this region.
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.