Location: Houston County, TX | Metro: Anderson County, TX
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $264,303 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 75844, located in Houston County, TX metro, can be a strategic component of a Section 8 portfolio. Given the data, it serves best as an appreciation play. The median home value in the area is currently at $245,197, and while the recent trend shows a slight decrease of 2.4%, the outlook for future appreciation is promising. For example, according to recent market trends, the median home price increased by 104.8% since last year, indicating strong growth potential.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the 75844 ZIP code in the fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This compares favorably with the current market rent of approximately $880 per month, providing a positive spread of $90. This spread ensures that landlords can maintain a steady cash flow even when participating in the Section 8 program, which often pays less than market rates. However, the focus here should be on the long-term appreciation potential rather than immediate cash flow.
ZIP 75844 also has a low price-cut share of 0.1%, suggesting that homes in this area are generally selling at or near their listed prices. This is a good indicator of market strength and stability. Additionally, the average days on market (DOM) for properties in this ZIP code is 175 days, which is longer than the previous year's average of 96 days but still reflects a market where homes are moving, albeit at a slower pace. This extended DOM could be due to higher prices, but the overall trend indicates that the market is robust and growing.
The median income in ZIP 75844 is $60,376, and there is a renter share of 20.7%. These figures suggest that the area is diverse enough to attract both renters and buyers, but the primary investment opportunity lies in the appreciation potential of the real estate. Therefore, for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on future growth, ZIP 75844 offers a solid foundation for an appreciation-focused strategy.
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.