Location: Hamilton County, FL | Metro: Hamilton County, FL
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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $187,946 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $272,474 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 32053, which includes Jennings, Florida, is set at $1,010 per month for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers in the region, meaning that if you participate in the program, the Housing Authority will pay up to $1,010 towards the monthly rent for a voucher holder's unit. It's important to note that this is not the amount tenants will pay; it's the maximum subsidy level.
In comparison, the average rent in Jennings as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS) is $876 per month. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the local average, suggesting that participating in Section 8 could potentially provide a landlord with a slightly better return on investment compared to market rates.
Jennings has a significant 20.1% of its population renting homes, which translates to a steady demand for rental properties. If you're looking to enter the Section 8 market, it's crucial to understand that the demand for affordable housing is strong, making it likely that your property will be occupied.
The median home value in Jennings is approximately $242,349. This can help you gauge the potential costs associated with acquiring a property in the area. Given the FMR and the local average rent, you should ensure that your property meets all the necessary criteria for Section 8 eligibility. One critical step before proceeding is to verify that your property complies with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary, and they must be met to qualify for the program.
To summarize, the FMR of $1,010 for ZIP 32053 provides a benchmark for the subsidy you can receive. With a local average rent of $876, there is a reasonable chance that your investment could be profitable. The 20.1% renter share indicates a solid tenant pool, while the median home value gives insight into the acquisition costs. Before committing to a Section 8 rental, make sure your property meets the HQS requirements to avoid any disqualifications.
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.