Location: Williamsburg County, SC | Metro: Florence, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $87,575 | 1.24% | A |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $160,592 | 0.81% | C |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $242,631 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Johnsonville, SC area (ZIP 29555), encompassing parts of Florence and Williamsburg Counties, presents an intriguing opportunity for Section 8 investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this region in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910 per month. This figure stands in stark contrast to the actual market rent, which according to the Census ACS, averages $633 per month.
Voucher tenants in this ZIP code will cashflow comfortably at the HUD FMR. With a difference of $277 between the FMR and the market rent, landlords can expect positive cashflow without needing to rely on premium units. This makes the area particularly attractive for those looking to enter the Section 8 rental market.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $147,183. Using the HUD FMR of $910, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.0075, indicating that the cost of renting is relatively low compared to the value of owning a home. This suggests that the buy-versus-rent dynamic favors renters, potentially making it easier to attract and retain tenants.
The current market conditions do not provide specific data on days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have been price-cut. However, the significant gap between the HUD FMR and the market rent suggests that the stability and cashflow aspects are strong positives for investors. The robust cashflow derived from the higher FMR provides a reliable income stream, which is crucial for small-portfolio investors.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 29555 is cashflow. The substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent ensures that landlords can maintain a steady and positive financial position without the need for premium units or extensive renovations.
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.