Location: Georgetown County, 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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,396 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,566 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,410 | $223,019 | 0.63% | D |
| 2BR | $1,720 | $270,356 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $396,358 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $2,420 | $581,551 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $2,807 | $1,006,657 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 29576, Murrells Inlet, SC, hinges on analyzing its yield and stability metrics. Yield is determined by comparing the Fair Market Rent (FMR) to the market rent and home values. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for a property in this ZIP code is set at $1,600. The market rent stands at $1,987, indicating that properties can command a premium above the FMR. However, the median home value is significantly higher at $394,900. This suggests that while there is potential for rental income to exceed FMR, the initial investment required is substantial.
Stability is gauged by examining the percentage of renters, days on market (DOM), and median household income. In Murrells Inlet, 10.7% of residents are renters, which is relatively low. A low percentage of renters typically means a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could impact the ability to quickly fill vacancies. Additionally, the average DOM is 64 days, suggesting that properties may take longer to sell if an investor decides to exit the rental market. On the positive side, the median household income is $70,691, providing some assurance that tenants can afford their rent.
Given these figures, Murrells Inlet falls into a category that is neither a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market nor a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a middle ground. The yield is decent, with market rents exceeding the FMR by $387 per month, but the high home values mean that the return on investment (ROI) will be lower compared to areas where home values are less. Stability is compromised by the low percentage of renters and extended DOM, although the median income provides a buffer against default risk.
To summarize, for landlords and small-portfolio investors, Murrells Inlet offers moderate yield potential with a caveat of lower stability due to fewer renters and slower sales. The income levels suggest that tenants are likely to be reliable, but the overall market conditions indicate a need for careful consideration before investing.
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.