Location: Marlboro County, SC | Metro: Dillon County, SC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 29525 in the Marlboro County, SC metro area reveals several key points that can inform investment decisions. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the region is set at $900 for fiscal year 2026. In comparison, the market rent based on Census ACS data is significantly lower at $549.
This disparity indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR level, meaning landlords can expect positive cashflow when renting properties at the HUD FMR rate. However, it's important to note that the difference between FMR and market rent is substantial, suggesting that landlords might see even better margins if they focus on premium units that are priced closer to the FMR but still below the maximum voucher amount.
The median home value in ZIP 29525 is $92,427. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we can use the HUD FMR of $900. This gives us an annual rent of $10,800, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 11.7%. This ratio is relatively high, indicating that rental income can be a significant portion of the property's value.
In terms of the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been discounted, these metrics are not available for ZIP 29525. However, given the strong cashflow potential, the rent-vs-buy dynamics suggest that rental properties are likely a more attractive option than purchasing homes for owner-occupancy in this area.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 29525 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR well above the current market rent, landlords can expect to generate positive cashflow while also having the flexibility to target higher-end units for even greater returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.