Location: Columbia, SC | Metro: Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,150 | $166,532 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $1,470 | $210,661 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $273,120 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 29172 in Lexington County, South Carolina, stands out due to its unique economic profile. With a total population of 8,974 residents, the area has a rental rate of 18.1%, which is slightly above the national average. The median income in this ZIP is $64,430, reflecting a modest but stable financial situation for its inhabitants. Notably, the median home value in 29172 is $210,036, indicating a middle-class community with homeownership being a significant part of the local landscape.
Moving to the specifics of Section 8 voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,100. This figure is higher than the market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $1,048. This discrepancy suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect slightly better rental rates compared to the general market, making it a potentially attractive option for those seeking consistent income.
The data signature for ZIP 29172 reads as stable. The median income and home values indicate a steady economic environment where residents are capable of maintaining their living standards. While the rental market shows a slight preference for Section 8 rates over market rates, the overall trend suggests a balanced ecosystem where both homeowners and renters coexist without significant shifts in the housing market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this ZIP code to be a reliable investment opportunity, given the stability of its economic indicators.
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.