Location: Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Metro: Fort Worth-Arlington, 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 | $2,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,826 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,405 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,837 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,129 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,310 | $318,546 | 1.04% | B |
| 4BR | $4,160 | $353,927 | 1.18% | B |
| 5BR | $4,826 | $413,266 | 1.17% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP 76002 under the Section 8 program are significant and must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a notable concern, with the market rent at $2,315 being lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,430 for FY 2024. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might move out when they find better deals outside the voucher system, leading to higher churn rates.
Vacancy exposure is another issue. The days on market (DOM) for rental properties in this area is currently unknown, indicating a lack of data on how quickly properties can be rented. A prolonged period of vacancy can significantly impact an investor's cash flow and profitability.
Deferred maintenance is also a critical risk factor. With a typical home value of $338,479 and a median income of $100,667, homeowners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements. This can lead to properties falling below the required standards set by the Section 8 program, resulting in penalties or loss of eligibility.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in ZIP 76002. The 19.5% renter share indicates a robust demand for rental properties, which often translates into higher interest in housing vouchers. Given the scarcity of affordable housing options, landlords in this area can expect a steady stream of Section 8 tenants who are committed to finding stable living conditions.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density makes ZIP 76002 a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. The strong demand for rental units provides a solid foundation for long-term investment, but careful management and maintenance practices are essential to mitigate the identified risks.
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.