Location: Port St. Lucie, 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 | $2,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,443 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,976 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,374 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,643 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,610 | $708,536 | 0.37% | F |
| 3BR | $3,440 | $784,252 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $3,830 | $1,040,470 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $4,443 | $1,700,158 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 33478 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2110, whereas the market rent as per Census ACS data stands at $3033. This indicates that the actual rental income expected is significantly higher than what is considered fair by HUD standards.
Acquisition of properties in ZIP 33478 is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $859,545, it's important to note that homes typically stay on the market for 43 days before selling. Additionally, only 0.3% of listed homes experience a price cut, suggesting that once a property is purchased, it will likely retain its value without needing to reduce the asking price.
Tenant demand in ZIP 33478 is relatively low. The total population is 14,731, and only 2.4% of this population are renters. This means there are fewer potential tenants compared to other areas, which could affect the ability to lease out properties quickly and consistently.
In summary, while the acquisition cost of properties in ZIP 33478 is reasonable and the market rent exceeds the FMR, the low renter share poses a significant challenge. Landlords should be cautious about the potential difficulty in finding and retaining tenants, despite the favorable rental income. The overall investment attractiveness is tempered by the limited tenant pool, making it a viable but not optimal choice for small-portfolio investors.
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.