Location: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Metro: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA
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 | $1,410 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,039 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,676 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,860 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,450 | $151,119 | 0.96% | C |
| 2BR | $1,690 | $315,367 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,160 | $382,314 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $2,620 | $450,001 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 33755 in Clearwater, FL, is a renter-heavy area with significant potential for Section 8 tenants. With a population of 27,476, 45.2% of residents are renters, indicating a substantial market for rental properties. The median household income in this ZIP code is $62,886, which provides a baseline for understanding the economic context of potential tenants.
The average market rent in ZIP 33755 is $1,945, which represents approximately 31% of the median household income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the average market rent by the median income ($1,945 / $62,886 * 100 = 31%). This suggests that typical rents are a considerable portion of local incomes, potentially making it challenging for some individuals to afford market rates without assistance.
In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set by HUD for FY 2024, is $1,680. This FMR figure is lower than the average market rent, indicating that landlords who wish to attract Section 8 tenants must ensure their rents align with or are below this threshold. The difference between the market rent and the FMR highlights the gap that Section 8 vouchers can fill for low-income renters.
A landlord in ZIP 33755 should expect a tenant profile that includes a mix of low-income families and individuals who rely on Section 8 vouchers to meet their housing needs. These tenants will be looking for affordable options that fit within the FMR guidelines. Given the high percentage of renters and the income levels relative to market rents, there is likely to be deep voucher demand in this area, making it an attractive location for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program.
To summarize, ZIP 33755 is well-suited for landlords interested in Section 8 tenants due to its high renter population and the economic conditions that necessitate rental assistance programs. Landlords should prepare to manage properties with a focus on affordability and compliance with HUD standards.
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.