Location: Bell County, KY | Metro: Bell County, KY
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $630 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 40813 reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Bell County, KY metro area, including ZIP 40813, is set at $870 for fiscal year 2026. This amount is significantly higher than the current market rent of $541, based on Census ACS data. As such, voucher tenants in this ZIP code will cashflow positively at the HUD FMR rate.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value of $113,682. This figure can be used to derive a rent-to-price ratio, which in this case stands at approximately 0.0047. For context, a lower rent-to-price ratio suggests that housing values are relatively high compared to rental income, which could indicate strong appreciation potential for homeowners but less so for landlords seeking immediate returns through rental income.
The data does not provide specific median days on market (DOM) or percentage of price cuts for the area, which would typically help in understanding the rent-vs-buy dynamics. However, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the market rent, it's clear that landlords can benefit from a positive cash flow scenario with voucher tenants. The higher HUD FMR allows for a buffer above the market rent, making it easier to cover expenses and generate profit without relying on premium units.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 40813 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR well above the current market rent, landlords can expect steady and reliable income from voucher tenants, making it an attractive option for those focused on generating rental income rather than long-term appreciation or stability.
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.