Location: Hendry County, FL | Metro: West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $199,332 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $270,651 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $341,166 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Clewiston, FL, ZIP code 33440, is a modest-sized community with a population of 20,855. The area has a relatively low percentage of renters at 27.9%, indicating a primarily owner-occupied market. The median household income in the region is $56,341, which places it squarely in the middle-income bracket. Median home values stand at $254,488, suggesting a mix of affordable and moderately priced housing options.
The economic landscape for rental properties in 33440 is particularly interesting. According to the latest Fair Market Rent (FMR) data for the zip code for fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $1250. This figure contrasts sharply with the actual market rent, which stands at $927 according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This discrepancy highlights a potential opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors who can leverage the higher FMR to attract Section 8 tenants while still operating within the local market price range.
Given these conditions, ZIP 33440 would suit both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the area offers a stable income stream due to the higher FMR compared to market rents, ensuring that properties remain financially viable even without active management. Meanwhile, value-add buyers could focus on improving property quality and efficiency to command closer to the FMR rates, thereby increasing their profit margins. Both strategies benefit from the solid middle-income base, providing a reliable tenant pool for long-term investment stability.
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.