Location: Gainesville, FL | Metro: Gainesville, FL 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 | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,498 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $248,506 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $333,541 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
12.5% of the population in ZIP code 32619, Bell, FL, are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. $60,795 is the median income in this area, which suggests that residents have a decent financial standing but may still require assistance with housing costs. The $690 market rent figure, according to Census ACS data, shows what tenants typically pay on their own. However, the $1030 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the zip code in fiscal year 2024 reveals the benchmark set by HUD for determining the maximum allowable rent for Section 8 vouchers, providing a higher subsidy to cover the gap between market rent and what low-income families can afford.
$294,883 is the median home value in Bell, FL, which is a significant investment for property owners. Despite the relatively high median home value, only 0.2% of listings experienced price cuts recently, suggesting that the real estate market in this area remains stable and competitive. This stability can be beneficial for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maintain or increase their property values over time.
The difference between the market rent ($690) and the FMR ($1030) highlights the potential benefit for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program. By accepting Section 8 tenants, landlords can receive a higher rent payment compared to the typical market rate, thus potentially increasing their rental income without having to deal with the volatility of the private rental market. Moreover, the low percentage of price cuts (0.2%) indicates that the local real estate market does not suffer from frequent price adjustments, which can be advantageous for long-term investment strategies.
In conclusion, for ZIP code 32619, the participation in the Section 8 program appears to be financially viable for landlords and small-portfolio investors, given the disparity between the market rent and the FMR, along with the stable real estate market conditions. The verdict on Section 8 for Bell, FL is positive, offering a reliable source of rental income and a steady investment environment.
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.