Location: Rockcastle County, KY | Metro: Jackson County, KY
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 40445, located in Rockcastle County, KY, presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $870 per month for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the current market rent of $553, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
This difference in rent rates means that voucher tenants can easily cashflow at the FMR, providing a substantial financial buffer for property owners. The median home value in the area is $106,358, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 1.01%, which is favorable for rental properties given the relatively low cost of housing.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have experienced price cuts are not applicable in this context, as they do not directly influence the rent-vs-buy dynamics. However, the stability of the local housing market, combined with the guaranteed income from Section 8 vouchers, offers a secure investment option.
The strongest investor angle in this market is cashflow, due to the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, ensuring a steady and reliable source of income.
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.