Location: Washita County, OK | Metro: Custer County, OK
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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,510 | $198,114 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 73626 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a significant issue. The market rent stands at $1,012, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 in the metro area is set at $1,160. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might be inclined to move when they find higher-paying jobs or seek better housing options, leading to frequent turnovers.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With a median income of $68,462 and a typical home value of $163,892, it's evident that the cost of living significantly outweighs the average earnings, which can lead to financial instability among potential tenants. While the Days on Market (DOM) is not available, the high ratio of home values to median incomes implies a risk of prolonged vacancies if tenants struggle to meet their rental obligations.
Deferred maintenance is also a critical factor. Given the typical home value of $163,892, landlords should anticipate higher costs for maintaining properties to meet the standards required by the Section 8 program. This includes regular upkeep and repairs, which can be substantial over time and must be factored into the overall investment strategy.
Despite these risks, the ZIP code offers a silver lining in the form of a high renter density. With 15.0% of residents being renters, there is a strong likelihood of increased demand for Section 8 vouchers. High renter share typically translates into a larger pool of potential tenants who qualify for the program, thus mitigating some of the vacancy concerns.
In conclusion, the combination of high market rent versus FMR, financial strain on tenants, and the need for ongoing property maintenance indicates a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 73626.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.