Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 29638 - 2027

Location: Greenwood County, SC | Metro: Abbeville County, SC

Investment Score for ZIP 29638

F
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$900
Median Price (2BR)
$165,490
1% Rule
0.54%
Annual Yield
6.53%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size Monthly FMR
Studio$650
1 Bedroom$750
2 Bedrooms$900
3 Bedrooms$1,200
4 Bedrooms$1,240
5 Bedrooms$1,438
6 Bedrooms$1,611
7 Bedrooms$1,740
8 Bedrooms$1,827

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms Monthly FMR Median Price 1% Rule Grade
2BR $900 $165,490 0.54% F
3BR $1,200 $225,739 0.53% F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population
3,348
Median Household Income
$65,000
Housing Units
1,590
Renter Percentage
18.1%
Occupancy Rate
85.7%
Renter Occupied
246

The market in ZIP 29638, encompassing Donalds, SC, reveals a dynamic equilibrium between supply and demand. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) stands at $910 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, closely aligning with the current market rent of $900 as reported by the Census ACS. This suggests that rental prices are reflective of the fair market value, indicating a balanced market where neither landlords nor tenants hold significant leverage.

The median home value in the area is $192,837, which provides insight into the affordability and desirability of homeownership. Given the lack of specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM), it's challenging to definitively state whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the alignment between FMR and market rent points towards a stable market, where supply meets demand without causing significant fluctuations in pricing.

The 18.1% renter share is noteworthy. This figure implies that nearly one-fifth of the population in Donalds, SC, opts for renting rather than owning. Such a percentage can exert long-term housing pressure on the market, as renters often represent a more transient demographic. This can lead to higher turnover rates in rental properties, which may necessitate ongoing maintenance and management efforts from landlords.

In a broader context, the presence of a consistent renter base can be indicative of various factors, including employment stability, household formation trends, and the overall economic climate. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these elements when evaluating the potential for sustained rental income in the area.

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.