Location: Flint, MI | Metro: Livingston County, MI 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,891 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,320 | $297,874 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,830 | $348,456 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,060 | $412,249 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $2,390 | $563,561 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord investing in ZIP 48451 in Linden, MI, include significant tenant turnover due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,032 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,250 for FY 2024. This discrepancy can lead to frequent changes in occupancy, which increases administrative costs and reduces rental income stability.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the days on market (DOM) data is not available. This lack of information makes it difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant between tenants, potentially leading to extended periods without rental income.
Deferred maintenance is also a critical issue, given the typical home value of $339,127 and a median income of $99,943. The median income suggests that residents may struggle to afford necessary repairs and upgrades, increasing the likelihood that properties will require substantial investments to maintain quality standards.
However, these risks are tempered by the fact that 7.0% of the population are renters. High renter density generally correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, indicating a steady stream of potential tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance. This demand can provide a buffer against vacancy and help stabilize rental income over time.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 48451 is moderate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.