Location: Ocala, FL | Metro: Ocala, 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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $265,714 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $283,308 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $479,914 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 investment in ZIP code 34482 in Ocala, FL, are significant and should be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a major concern, as the market rent stands at $2,112 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,150 for FY 2024. This discrepancy indicates that tenants who qualify for Section 8 may struggle to find alternative housing if their circumstances change, leading to higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another issue. The average days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is 83 days, which is relatively high. This suggests that there might be periods when your property remains vacant, causing financial strain due to the lack of rental income during these times.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With a typical home value of $297,923 and a median household income of $65,901, many residents may not have the financial capacity to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs. As a landlord, you would need to be prepared to cover these costs yourself, which can add up quickly over time.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter density in the area. The 16.7% renter share indicates a substantial number of individuals and families seeking rental accommodation, which often translates into higher demand for Section 8 vouchers. This can provide some stability in terms of finding qualified tenants willing to use their vouchers to pay rent.
In conclusion, the risks associated with a Section 8 investment in ZIP code 34482 in Ocala, FL, are moderate. While there are challenges related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density offers some balance to these concerns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.