Location: Colleton County, SC | Metro: Colleton County, SC
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 | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $920 | $198,257 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,100 | $243,760 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,410 | $335,453 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 29435, Cottageville, SC, presents a market where the dynamics of supply and demand are closely aligned but lean towards a slight imbalance favoring demand. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $960 for the fiscal year 2026 indicates the government's assessment of what constitutes a reasonable rental price in the area. Meanwhile, the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS stands at $922. This suggests that landlords can expect to charge slightly below the FMR, indicating a competitive market where tenants have some leverage.
The median home value in Cottageville is $233,181. While this figure alone does not reveal the full picture of the market, it can be inferred that the housing stock is relatively affordable, which could attract both buyers and renters. The absence of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) prevents a detailed analysis of how quickly homes are selling or if there is significant negotiation on prices. However, the fact that the market rent is lower than the FMR implies that there might be a bit more supply than demand, allowing rents to remain stable and below the government-set threshold.
The 11.0% renter share in Cottageville tells us that the majority of residents own their homes. A low renter share often correlates with areas where homeownership is the dominant form of housing tenure. Despite this, the presence of renters still contributes to the overall housing pressure, especially given the proximity to the FMR. With a relatively stable rental market and an affordable median home value, Cottageville likely experiences steady but not intense housing pressure. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these factors when setting rents or pricing homes for sale, ensuring they stay competitive yet reflective of the local economic conditions.
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.