Location: Pickett County, TN | Metro: Clinton County, KY
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 38549, characterized by a median home value of $247,654, signals a market where pricing power remains stable but cautious. With only 0.2% of listings experiencing reductions, it's evident that sellers are maintaining their asking prices, indicating a resilient demand environment. The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A suggests either a very active market where homes sell quickly or an insufficient sample size to draw conclusions, both scenarios pointing towards strong seller confidence.
This stability in home values and the minimal reduction in listing prices imply that landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect continued steady performance from their properties. However, the lack of significant DOM data means there's a need for ongoing monitoring of local market conditions to adjust strategies accordingly.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected at $960, while the current market rent stands at $573 based on Census ACS data. This substantial gap between FMR and actual market rents presents a compelling opportunity for investors. Landlords can gradually increase rents towards the FMR level without significantly deterring tenants, given the current lower baseline.
For long-term investors, the setup in ZIP 38549 supports a realistic appreciation thesis. The low percentage of price reductions and the potential for rent increases suggest that property values are likely to grow as the area's economic fundamentals improve and align with broader metropolitan trends. While immediate double-digit growth is not implied, the data supports a scenario where gradual appreciation, coupled with rising rents, can provide solid returns over the next 12 to 24 months.
Investors should focus on properties that can benefit from these trends, particularly those that can command higher rents as the market adjusts. Additionally, attention to local economic indicators and any changes in the housing market will be crucial for identifying shifts that could affect future pricing and rental dynamics.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.