Location: Marlboro County, SC | Metro: Dillon 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $183,975 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 29565, located in Marlboro County, SC metro, offers a detailed insight into rental investment opportunities. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $980 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the average market rent of $649 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the FMR rate, making it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $118,062. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio. Given the average market rent of $649, the ratio is approximately 0.55%, suggesting that rental properties are relatively affordable compared to the overall housing market. This affordability can be a key factor in attracting both voucher and non-voucher tenants, thereby ensuring steady occupancy rates.
The dynamics between renting and buying in ZIP 29565 are also noteworthy. With a median Days on Market (DOM) and price-cut share not available, it's important to focus on the existing data points. The disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent implies that voucher tenants can afford to pay more than what the market currently demands. This creates a scenario where landlords can maintain higher rents without deterring tenant interest, especially from those receiving vouchers.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for investors in ZIP 29565 is cashflow. The difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent ensures that voucher tenants will cover the costs and provide a positive return on investment. This makes the area particularly appealing for those looking to generate consistent income through rental properties.
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.