Location: St. Louis, MO | Metro: St. Louis, MO-IL 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,330 | $172,662 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,710 | $282,236 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,970 | $376,270 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 63044, Bridgeton, MO, are significant and must be carefully considered before investing. Tenant turnover is a primary concern, with the market rent set at $1,145 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,180 for fiscal year 2024. This difference suggests that tenants might struggle to keep up with rent payments, leading to frequent turnovers. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is high due to the lack of available data on days on market (DOM), indicating uncertainty about how quickly units can be filled. Deferred maintenance is another issue, as the typical home value in the area is $272,418, while the median income is only $77,819. This substantial gap implies that many residents may not have the financial resources to maintain their homes adequately, which could lead to higher maintenance costs for landlords.
Despite these challenges, there are several factors that mitigate the risks. The renter share in ZIP 63044 is 31.6%, which is notably high. High renter density typically translates into higher demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This increased demand can help ensure that units are occupied more consistently, reducing the impact of vacancy exposure. Furthermore, the presence of Section 8 vouchers can stabilize cash flow, as the government will cover a portion of the rent, making it easier for tenants to afford their living expenses.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.