Location: Barnwell County, SC | Metro: Barnwell County, SC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 29826, located in Barnwell County, SC metro, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not favorably align with the Federal Market Rent (FMR) and the current market conditions. The FMR for the area stands at $980 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly lower than the market rent reported at $1,643 according to Census ACS data. This disparity indicates that properties receiving Section 8 assistance will generate rents below the market rate, reducing potential income.
Regarding acquisition affordability, the data shows that the median home value is not available (N/A), nor are the typical days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes needing price cuts to sell. Without these figures, it's challenging to assess the cost-effectiveness of acquiring new properties in this ZIP code. However, the lack of specific data might suggest that the real estate market here is less active or has limited recent transactions.
Tenant demand is relatively low in ZIP 29826. With a total population of 241, only 30.8% are renters, translating to approximately 74 potential tenants. This small number of renters may limit the pool of eligible Section 8 tenants, given the program's requirements and the overall demand for rental housing.
Verdict: While ZIP 29826 offers opportunities for landlords interested in Section 8 properties, the economics are less favorable due to the significant gap between FMR and market rent. The unavailability of specific acquisition metrics makes it difficult to gauge the cost-effectiveness of purchasing properties in this area. Additionally, the limited number of renters suggests a smaller potential tenant base, which could affect occupancy rates and income stability. Therefore, investments in this ZIP code should be approached with caution, focusing on properties where the Section 8 payment standard covers the majority of operating costs.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.