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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,360 | $175,528 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 29446, located in Colleton County, SC metro, presents a balanced opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,160 for fiscal year 2026, which is slightly above the market rent of $1,143 as reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a steady and reliable income stream for property owners.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $222,971. Using this figure, we can derive the rent-to-price ratio. With an average monthly rent of $1,143, the annual rent would be approximately $13,716. Dividing this by the median home value yields a rent-to-price ratio of about 0.0615, or 6.15%. This ratio suggests that the rental income represents a modest percentage of the total property value, indicating a market where owning rental properties is competitive but not overly lucrative compared to home ownership.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this market do not significantly impact the decision-making process for investors. The median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts are not available, but given the slight premium of FMR over market rent, it's clear that voucher holders can afford typical units without requiring premium accommodations. This means that landlords can maintain their current unit offerings and still benefit from the Section 8 program.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 29446 is stability. The close alignment between HUD FMR and market rent ensures consistent cash flow, while the moderate rent-to-price ratio suggests a balanced market that supports both renters and homeowners. This stability is particularly valuable for those looking to build long-term, low-risk rental portfolios in the area.
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.