Location: Wildwood-The Villages, FL | Metro: Wildwood-The Villages, 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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,250 | $170,710 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,520 | $292,328 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,800 | $342,678 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for evaluating whether to purchase properties in ZIP 34785 (Wildwood, FL) for Section 8 investment starts with three key questions based on the data provided.
1. Does FMR $1270 (for zip FY 2024) clear debt service on a $273,080 property?
Yes: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1270 is sufficient to cover the debt service on a property valued at $273,080. This means that if your mortgage payments and other fixed costs are less than or equal to $1270 per month, you can proceed to the next question.
No: If the debt service on a $273,080 property exceeds $1270 per month, then Wildwood, FL, is not financially viable for Section 8 investment under these conditions. You must ensure that the rental income will cover your expenses.
2. Is market rent $1,660 (ZORI) above, at, or below FMR?
Above: With a Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) of $1,660, which is higher than the FMR of $1270, there is potential to earn more from market rents than what is guaranteed by Section 8. However, you must consider if the local demand supports renting at market rates.
At or Below: If the market rent is at or below the FMR, you should expect to rely solely on Section 8 tenants. This scenario reduces your risk but also limits your upside potential.
3. Are 26.7% renters + N/A-day days on market (DOM) enough demand?
It Depends: The renter population in Wildwood, FL, is 26.7%, which indicates a moderate level of demand for rental properties. However, the lack of specific data regarding days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties might be rented. A high DOM could signal slower demand, while a low DOM would suggest strong interest from potential tenants.
If you answered Yes to the first question and find that the market rent is Above the FMR, the decision to invest in Wildwood, FL, for Section 8 hinges on the demand. If the DOM is low, indicating quick turnover and strong tenant interest, then the answer is likely Yes. However, if the DOM is high, suggesting slower demand, the answer shifts to No.
If the market rent is At or Below the FMR, the answer is more straightforward. Given the moderate renter population and assuming reasonable DOM, the answer is Yes. However, if the DOM is exceptionally high, it could still lean towards No.
In summary, the viability of investing in Wildwood, FL, for Section 8 properties is contingent upon the ability to cover debt service with FMR, the relationship between market rent and FMR, and the strength of the rental demand as indicated by DOM. Use these criteria to make an informed decision.
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.