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 | $1,460 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,500 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,155 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,534 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,817 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,008 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,500 | $132,955 | 1.13% | B |
| 2BR | $1,750 | $301,500 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $413,887 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $2,720 | $548,617 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $3,155 | $1,809,656 | 0.17% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 33756 in Clearwater, FL, is a renter-heavy area, with 38.9% of the population renting their homes. This indicates a significant portion of residents who could potentially benefit from Section 8 housing vouchers. The market rent in this area stands at $1,917, which is slightly above the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for FY 2024 at $1,760.
To understand the impact on potential tenants, consider that the median household income in ZIP 33756 is $61,872. With a market rent of $1,917, typical rent consumes approximately 37% of the local median income annually. This suggests that while there is a substantial demand for rental properties, the cost of living is relatively high compared to income levels.
Landlords in this area can expect a diverse tenant pool, including families and individuals who rely on Section 8 vouchers due to the high cost of housing relative to income. The presence of a large number of renters means there is likely strong competition for affordable units, making Section 8 vouchers an attractive option for many seeking stable housing.
In summary, Clearwater's ZIP 33756 is well-suited for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to attract Section 8 tenants. The combination of a high percentage of renters and competitive market rents makes it a prime location for those seeking affordable housing solutions. Landlords should prepare for a tenant base that includes many voucher holders, ensuring compliance with HUD guidelines and maintaining properties to meet the needs of a diverse community.
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.