Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 29212 - 2027

Location: Columbia, SC | Metro: Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 29212

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,430

Median Price (2BR)

$188,227

1% Rule

0.76%

Annual Yield

9.12%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,160
1 Bedroom	$1,310
2 Bedrooms	$1,430
3 Bedrooms	$1,800
4 Bedrooms	$2,050
5 Bedrooms	$2,378
6 Bedrooms	$2,663
7 Bedrooms	$2,876
8 Bedrooms	$3,020

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,430	$188,227	0.76%	D
3BR	$1,800	$254,539	0.71%	D
4BR	$2,050	$338,989	0.6%	D
5BR	$2,378	$456,755	0.52%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

27,657

Median Household Income

$77,142

Housing Units

13,520

Renter Percentage

32.1%

Occupancy Rate

93.5%

Renter Occupied

4,062

The ZIP code 29212, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is a vibrant area that balances residential comfort with proximity to urban amenities. Known for its diverse population and mix of housing options, it offers a stable rental market for landlords and small-portfolio investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1420, providing a benchmark for rental pricing.
The actual market rent, as measured by Zillow's ZORI index, stands at $1,475, slightly above the FMR, indicating a robust demand for rentals.
The median home value in the region is $277,786, reflecting a moderate level of investment opportunity for those interested in property purchases.
Renters make up 32.1% of the local housing market, suggesting a significant portion of the population relies on rental properties.
Average days on market (DOM) for rental listings is 30 days, which is relatively quick, showing that properties are typically occupied soon after becoming available.
The median household income in the area is $77,142, offering assurance that tenants can afford the prevailing rents.

In summary, ZIP 29212 presents a favorable environment for real estate investment, particularly in rental properties. With rental prices slightly exceeding the FMR and a substantial renter base, the area supports steady occupancy rates and reasonable returns on investment. The median income level provides confidence in tenant financial stability, while the median home value suggests a balanced market where property appreciation is possible without excessive risk.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.