Location: Cherokee County, OK | Metro: Cherokee 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,392 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,684 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $920 | $194,158 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,150 | $296,995 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 74427, located in Cookson, OK, represents a market with limited potential for Section 8 tenants. With a population of 1,342, only 6.8% of residents are renters, indicating a homeowner-dominated area where the availability of rental vouchers is relatively low. This is a significant factor for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering the Section 8 program.
The median household income in Cookson, OK is $50,089, which provides a benchmark for assessing the financial situation of potential tenants. The average market rent in this area stands at $784, which constitutes approximately 15.7% of the median household income. This ratio suggests that typical rent is reasonably affordable for the majority of households, but it also implies that a portion of the population might struggle to pay rent without assistance.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $940 for FY 2026 in the metro area, reveals that the actual rents are below the federal guideline. This could mean that landlords have some flexibility in pricing, but it also indicates that the rental market is not as robust as it could be in areas closer to urban centers where rents tend to be higher.
A landlord in ZIP 74427 should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals who may rely on rental assistance due to the lower income levels relative to housing costs. However, the scarcity of vouchers means that landlords will likely face competition for these tenants from other properties that accept Section 8. Additionally, landlords must consider the administrative requirements and payment processes associated with the Section 8 program when deciding whether to participate.
In conclusion, while there is a niche for Section 8 tenants in Cookson, OK, the overall market conditions suggest that landlords should balance their expectations against the realities of a predominantly homeowner community with limited voucher demand. The affordability of current rents compared to the median income makes the area attractive for those seeking affordable housing solutions, but the small size of the rental market may limit the number of Section 8 tenants available.
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.