Location: Ocala, FL | Metro: Levy County, 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $202,719 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $287,206 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,780 | $382,229 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
16.5% of Williston, FL residents are renters, reflecting a moderate demand for rental properties in ZIP code 32696. The $1030 Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for fiscal year 2024 indicates the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a unit under the Section 8 program. This figure is notably higher than the $854 market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, suggesting that Section 8 can offer better returns compared to the local average. Landlords should be aware, however, that the median home value stands at $288,719, which could influence property values and investment strategies in the area.
The median income in Williston, FL is $61,020, providing context on the economic status of potential tenants. While the data does not specify the typical days on market (DOM), the low 0.3% price-cut share implies that homes in this area generally hold their value well without needing significant price adjustments to sell. This stability can be advantageous for landlords who wish to maintain property values and avoid depreciation.
Investors looking to enter the Williston, FL market should consider the disparity between the FMR and the market rent when evaluating potential rental income. The higher FMR can provide a cushion against the local average rents, making it possible to secure more stable long-term tenancies through the Section 8 program. However, the limited data on DOM suggests that landlords will need to rely on other indicators to assess how quickly they might turn over properties if needed.
With these figures in mind, the verdict on Section 8 participation in Williston, FL is positive, offering a reliable source of income with relatively strong property value support.
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.