Location: Grainger County, TN | Metro: Grainger County, TN HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,380 | $355,429 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 37861, located in Tennessee, offers a stable market for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The area has a mix of rental properties and homeowners, with a significant portion of the population relying on affordable housing solutions.
Investors looking to enter the ZIP 37861 market should focus on properties that can be rented close to the FMR of $860, as this reflects the maximum payment assistance available through Section 8 vouchers. With a median home value of $287,367 and a median income of $52,265, the area supports a healthy balance between affordability and economic stability. Given the 19.6% renter share, there is a notable opportunity for those willing to invest in rental properties, especially those that qualify for Section 8 programs.
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.