Location: Kingsport-Bristol, TN | Metro: Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $242,716 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $317,589 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $478,613 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 37617, Blountville, TN, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive under the Section 8 program for a given unit. It's important to note that this is not the rent you will charge your tenants; it's the payment standard that the Housing Authority uses to determine the subsidy amount.
In comparison, the average market rent in Blountville, TN, based on recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $920. This indicates that the FMR is slightly below the market rate, which means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program will not be able to charge more than $910 per month for a unit, regardless of the market conditions.
The 17.7% renter share suggests that nearly one in five households in Blountville are renters, indicating a steady demand for rental properties. However, landlords should be aware that the majority of these renters will likely be seeking affordable housing options, making the Section 8 program an attractive choice for them.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in this area, the median home value is around $311,348. This means that if you're looking to purchase a property to rent out under the Section 8 program, you'll need to budget accordingly. Keep in mind that the FMR does not cover the entire cost of renting, so you must ensure that the subsidy plus any additional rent from the tenant will cover your expenses.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, one crucial step is to verify the condition of the property against the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The HQS are a set of minimum standards that all Section 8 properties must meet. This includes ensuring that the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to comply with these standards can result in penalties or even termination from the program.
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.