Location: Letcher County, KY | Metro: Letcher County, KY
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 41517, located within Letcher County, KY, exhibits characteristics that position it distinctly within the local metro. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $870 for fiscal year 2026, which is a critical figure for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 housing. However, the lack of data on market rent and home values complicates a direct comparison to other ZIP codes in Letcher County.
The 0.0% renter share indicates that virtually no residents in ZIP 41517 are renters, suggesting a strong preference for homeownership in the area. This contrasts sharply with the typical ZIP codes in Letcher County, where renter shares are likely higher due to varying economic conditions and housing needs. The absence of market rent and home value data implies that either such data is not available, or the area is predominantly owner-occupied, reducing the relevance of rental metrics.
In the context of Section 8 analysis, ZIP 41517 stands out as an anomaly. Given the FMR of $870 and the non-existent renter share, it is unlikely to be considered a value pocket or a premium sub-market. Instead, the area appears to be a niche market with limited appeal to Section 8 participants due to the low availability of rental units. Landlords in this ZIP code would have to rely on the FMR as the sole indicator of potential rental income eligibility under Section 8, but the minimal presence of renters suggests that the demand for Section 8 units is also low.
The absence of a significant renter population and the unavailability of market rent and home value data make it challenging to categorize ZIP 41517 definitively. However, based on the provided figures, it can be inferred that the ZIP code is not a sweet spot for Section 8 investment. It lacks the key indicators that typically define a valuable Section 8 neighborhood, such as a substantial renter share and home values below the metro average.
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.