Location: Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC | Metro: Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, 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 | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,320 | $229,964 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $287,717 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,900 | $348,246 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Galivants Ferry, SC, located in ZIP code 29544, is a suburban neighborhood with a total population of 8,252 residents. Only 18.3% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income here is $78,401, suggesting a middle-class area where families can afford modest homes. The median home value stands at $278,863, reflecting a stable housing market.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 29544 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,050. This figure is notably higher than the average market rent of $956, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This discrepancy implies that Section 8 vouchers can cover more than the typical rental cost in the area, which could be advantageous for landlords who accept vouchers.
Given these economic conditions, Galivants Ferry, SC is well-suited for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the higher FMR compared to the market rent means they can secure stable rental income without the need for significant property management. On the other hand, value-add buyers might find opportunities to renovate properties and increase rents closer to the FMR, thereby enhancing their investment returns. Both strategies can work effectively in this neighborhood, depending on the landlord's preference for involvement and 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.