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 | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,842 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,438 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,610 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,580 | $219,784 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $295,654 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $2,450 | $347,326 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 34602, Brooksville, FL, presents a unique setup for both short-term and long-term investment strategies. With a median home value of $301,602, the area reflects a stable housing market where modest increases can be expected. The fact that only 0.3% of listings have been reduced indicates a strong seller's market. This low reduction rate suggests that properties are generally priced at levels that reflect their true market value, or even slightly above, without necessitating price adjustments to attract buyers.
The median Days on Market (DOM) being listed as N/A can be interpreted in two ways: either there is insufficient data to determine an average, or the market is so robust that homes are selling quickly, often before a typical DOM figure can be established. In either case, it points towards a brisk sales environment, which further supports the notion of strong pricing power for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
On the rental side, the Forward Monthly Rent (FMR) for ZIP 34602 in fiscal year 2024 is projected to be $1530. However, the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $1322. This gap signals potential for rental income growth, as the market adjusts to align with the projected FMR. Landlords should prepare for gradual rent increases to capture this upward trend in rental values.
For long-hold investors, the setup in ZIP 34602 implies a moderate appreciation thesis. While significant price jumps are unlikely given the stable median home value, steady growth in property values can be anticipated. This growth will likely be driven by factors such as population increase, economic stability, and improving infrastructure, all of which contribute to the desirability of the area and support property value appreciation.
In conclusion, the combination of a stable median home value, a low percentage of price reductions, and a positive outlook on rental income growth creates a favorable environment for maintaining pricing power. Investors should focus on acquiring properties that offer both solid rental income and the potential for modest appreciation over the next 12 to 24 months.
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.