Location: Jasper County, SC | Metro: Beaufort County, 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 | $2,430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,547 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,093 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,500 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,775 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,530 | $430,856 | 0.59% | F |
| 2BR | $2,760 | $423,154 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $3,290 | $542,873 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $3,920 | $641,444 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $4,547 | $612,709 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2150 for ZIP 29909 (Bluffton, SC) in fiscal year 2024, landlords can expect to align their rental pricing closely with government guidelines to attract Section 8 tenants. The Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) stands at $2,711, indicating that market rents are significantly higher than the FMR, which presents an opportunity for landlords to maximize profits while still being competitive. The median home value in Bluffton is $484,816, reflecting a robust real estate market that supports high property values and potentially strong investment returns. Renter share in the area is relatively low at 8.4%, suggesting a smaller pool of renters compared to homeowners, but also pointing to a stable housing environment. Median income in the region is $91,294, which is above the national average, further supporting the potential for successful rentals. However, the Days on Market (DOM) figure of 61 days indicates that it might take some time to find a tenant, especially if the rental price is set too high. The price-cut share of 0.3% suggests that very few properties need to be discounted to secure a tenant, implying that the market remains strong and resilient. Given these factors, landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully consider setting rental prices near the FMR to optimize their chances of attracting Section 8 tenants without sacrificing profitability.
Section 8 Verdict: Bluffton, SC, offers a favorable environment for Section 8 rentals, with a solid median income and a strong real estate market.
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.