Location: Hardee County, FL | Metro: Hardee County, FL
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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,192 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,455 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $207,496 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $307,900 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $1,890 | $380,151 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 33890, located in Zolfo Springs, FL, within the Hardee County, FL metro area, presents a unique profile compared to typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 33890 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1120, which is higher than the market rent of $979. This suggests that the government's estimate for affordable housing exceeds what the market naturally demands, indicating a potential subsidy-driven rental market.
The median home value in ZIP 33890 stands at $288,231, which is likely above average for the Hardee County metro, given the typical lower cost of living in rural areas. However, the 17.0% renter share is a critical point of comparison. In many rural areas, the percentage of renters is often lower due to the prevalence of owner-occupied homes. A higher renter share can be indicative of a market where rental subsidies play a significant role, attracting subsidized renters.
Given the specific figures, ZIP 33890 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Hardee County metro. It isn't a premium sub-market, as the median home value is not excessively high for the region, but it also doesn't qualify as a value pocket since the FMR and market rent suggest a somewhat balanced rental environment. The divergence between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the higher-than-average renter share, points towards an area where Section 8 vouchers are prevalent, making it attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors who are looking to tap into the subsidized housing market.
To further analyze the positioning of ZIP 33890, consider the following:
In summary, ZIP 33890 offers a balanced opportunity for landlords and investors, particularly those interested in properties that can benefit from Section 8 subsidies. The combination of reasonable home values and a sizeable renter population makes it a promising area for those looking to capitalize on affordable housing initiatives.
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.