Location: Hampton County, SC | Metro: Jasper 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 | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,670 | $193,908 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 29944, there are several factors that could pose challenges for first-time Section 8 landlords. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the disparity between the market rent of $759 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 for FY 2024. This gap suggests that tenants might struggle to afford the higher FMR, leading to frequent moves and high turnover rates. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is notable since the Days on Market (DOM) data is not available, indicating potential difficulties in quickly renting out properties. Deferred maintenance poses another risk, especially considering the typical home value of $164,464 and the median income of $59,620. The median income figure implies that homeowners may find it challenging to keep up with property maintenance costs, which can affect the quality and appeal of rental units.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share of 27.5%. A dense population of renters typically correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, making it easier to find qualified tenants who can utilize Section 8 vouchers. This robust demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the likelihood of prolonged vacancies.
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.