Location: Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Metro: Dallas, TX 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 | $1,690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,828 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,630 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,862 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,040 | $198,775 | 1.03% | B |
| 3BR | $2,610 | $301,381 | 0.87% | C |
| 4BR | $3,300 | $369,166 | 0.89% | C |
| 5BR | $3,828 | $463,523 | 0.83% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Grand Prairie's 75052 zip code is a well-established suburban hub known for its blend of affordability and accessibility within the Mid-Cities region. The area is characterized by a strong mix of retail and residential development, serving as a practical midpoint between Dallas and Fort Worth. A major anchor for this community is the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, a significant retail destination that drives local foot traffic and employment. The neighborhood offers a family-friendly atmosphere with numerous parks and a solid reputation for community events, making it a steady draw for long-term residents.
From a data standpoint, the arbitrage opportunity in this market is distinct. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit is $2,100, while the current market rent (Zillow ZORI) sits lower at $1,646, creating a positive gap of $454 per month if you secure a voucher holder. With median home values at $324,302 and a median days on market of 45 days, inventory moves at a moderate pace. For investors looking at entry-level assets, the median 2-bedroom sale price is $200,804, suggesting relatively manageable acquisition costs compared to the broader metro area.
The tenant pool is supported by a renter share of 35.4% and a median household income of $89,301, indicating a population that can generally sustain housing costs. This income level, combined with the presence of major employers like the distribution hubs near the Great Southwest Parkway, contributes to a stable demand for rentals. Families are often drawn to the area for access to highly-rated schools within the Grand Prairie Independent School District, which reinforces the desirability of 3- and 4-bedroom units for voucher holders.
The Section 8 verdict for 75052 leans heavily toward cash flow. The $454 spread between the 2BR FMR and market rent is the strongest numerical argument here, allowing investors to achieve above-market yields with government-backed payments. While appreciation potential exists given the $324,302 median home value, the primary driver for small-portfolio investors should be the ability to secure reliable, higher-than-market rent immediately upon leasing to a voucher tenant.
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.