Location: Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | Metro: Lakeland-Winter Haven, 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 | $1,590 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,932 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,756 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,994 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,030 | $220,026 | 0.92% | C |
| 3BR | $2,790 | $333,528 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $3,390 | $473,011 | 0.72% | D |
| 5BR | $3,932 | $627,969 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 33813, located in Lakeland, Florida, within the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for any Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 33813 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,570 for a one-bedroom unit, significantly below the market rent of $1,921. This creates a positive spread that ensures steady cash flow for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 33813 is $369,282, indicating a stable housing market. Despite the slight 0.3% price-cut share and an average Days on Market (DOM) of 41 days, which suggests some flexibility in pricing and relatively quick sales, the primary benefit lies in the guaranteed rental income through the Section 8 program. Landlords can count on receiving the FMR amount, which is lower than the market rent, thus providing a buffer against potential vacancies or non-payment issues common in other rental markets.
While the renter share stands at 21.0% and the median income is $99,497, these factors do not overshadow the financial stability offered by the cash-flow anchor role. The higher median income supports the likelihood of consistent voucher payments and tenant reliability, further enhancing the security of this investment. Therefore, ZIP 33813 should be considered primarily as a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable FMR compared to market rents.
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.