Location: Port St. Lucie, FL | Metro: Port St. Lucie, 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 | $1,820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,120 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,619 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,377 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,596 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,830 | $166,317 | 1.1% | B |
| 2BR | $2,210 | $281,637 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $2,990 | $390,910 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $3,120 | $474,163 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $3,619 | $551,173 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 34986, located in Port Saint Lucie, FL, falls within the broader Port St. Lucie, FL MSA metro area. To analyze its position relative to other ZIP codes within the same MSA, we can examine several key metrics: Fair Market Rent (FMR), market rent, home value, and renter share.
ZIP 34986 has an FMR of $2,040 for fiscal year 2024, which is slightly below the metro's average market rent of $2,126. This indicates that it is positioned as a mid-tier neighborhood in terms of rental costs, offering affordability without being at the very bottom of the market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should note that while the FMR is lower, the actual market rent is nearly identical, suggesting a competitive rental environment.
The median home value in ZIP 34986 stands at $374,059. This figure is representative of the typical home value found within the MSA, positioning it squarely in the middle range of housing costs. Investors looking to purchase properties in this area can expect to pay average prices for homes, making it neither a budget-friendly nor a luxury sub-market within the metro.
A notable aspect of ZIP 34986 is its 15.6% renter share, which is higher than the average for many ZIP codes in the MSA. This suggests a significant portion of residents prefer renting over owning, which could be advantageous for landlords. However, the higher renter share combined with below-average home values does not necessarily indicate a Section 8 sweet spot, as the FMR and market rent are relatively close to the MSA average.
To summarize, ZIP 34986 is best described as a mid-tier neighborhood within the Port St. Lucie, FL MSA. It offers rental rates that are competitive but not excessively low, and home values that align with the metro's average. The elevated renter share provides a robust tenant pool, but the lack of extreme divergence in home values compared to the FMR and market rent suggests it is not a standout value pocket for Section 8 investors.
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.