Location: Hampton County, SC | Metro: Hampton 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 | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,160 | $205,809 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 29924, there are several potential risks that a landlord should consider before investing in Section 8 properties. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, especially when comparing the market rent of $933 to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $900 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. Landlords may experience higher turnover rates if tenants find they can afford slightly better accommodations outside of the program.
Vacancy exposure is another issue. The Days on Market (DOM) data is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. This uncertainty can lead to periods where the landlord does not receive rental income, potentially affecting cash flow.
Deferred maintenance is also a critical consideration. With a typical home value of $167,118 and a median income of $43,542, the financial capacity of residents to handle significant repairs or improvements is limited. This means landlords must be prepared to manage any maintenance issues themselves, without relying on the tenants' ability to contribute financially.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high proportion of renters in the area. The 29.9% renter share indicates a dense rental market, which often correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers. This demand can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a consistent source of tenants who are committed to paying their rent through the Section 8 program.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.