Location: Punta Gorda, FL | Metro: Cape Coral-Fort Myers, 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 | $1,470 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,480 | $156,114 | 0.95% | C |
| 2BR | $1,770 | $211,744 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $2,310 | $338,780 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $353,551 | 0.72% | D |
| 5BR | $2,970 | $417,973 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 33917, located in North Fort Myers, Florida, within the Punta Gorda, FL MSA metro area, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The key to understanding this designation lies in comparing the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024, which is set at $1310, against the market rent of $1996 and the median home value of $291,518.
The spread between the FMR and the market rent indicates a significant gap where landlords can still achieve above-average rental income while maintaining compliance with Section 8 guidelines. This difference allows for a robust cash flow, essential for covering mortgage payments, property maintenance, and other operational costs associated with owning rental properties. Landlords can leverage this spread to ensure profitability and financial stability within their investment portfolios.
Furthermore, the median home value of $291,518 suggests that properties in this ZIP code are relatively affordable compared to other markets. This affordability factor makes it easier for landlords to acquire properties without needing to invest excessively large sums of capital, thereby reducing the risk and increasing the potential for higher returns on investment.
The 0.3% price-cut share and 66-day Days on Market (DOM) indicate a stable market with minimal competition among sellers, suggesting that landlords can expect steady demand for their properties. Additionally, the 16.3% renter share and median income of $55,000 imply a sufficient pool of tenants who are likely to qualify for Section 8 housing assistance. These factors contribute to the reliability of cash flow, making ZIP 33917 an ideal choice for securing consistent rental income within a Section 8 portfolio.
In summary, ZIP 33917 stands out as a cash-flow anchor due to the substantial gap between FMR and market rents, combined with the relatively low median home value and stable market conditions. These elements collectively provide a secure foundation for generating positive cash flow and maintaining a successful Section 8 portfolio strategy.
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.