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 | $1,460 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,318 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,716 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,013 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,214 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,480 | $126,043 | 1.17% | B |
| 2BR | $1,740 | $156,487 | 1.11% | B |
| 3BR | $2,280 | $301,981 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $2,860 | $428,295 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 analysis for ZIP code 76011 in Arlington, TX, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent, known as the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI). For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $1580, while the ZORI stands at $1402. This means that the FMR exceeds the market rent by $178, or approximately 12.7%. In other words, landlords can charge $178 more per month for voucher tenants compared to what they would typically receive from non-voucher tenants.
This gap makes Arlington a prime location for a yield play strategy. Given that 82.6% of residents are renters and the median home value is $255,684, it's clear that the local economy heavily relies on rental properties. The median income of $54,038 further supports the idea that many residents will require assistance through housing vouchers to afford living in Arlington. By participating in the Section 8 program, landlords can secure a steady stream of income that is above the typical market rate, thus increasing their overall yield.
The higher FMR also ensures that landlords do not incur losses when renting to voucher tenants. In Arlington, where the competition for affordable housing is high, landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can benefit from guaranteed payments that cover a substantial portion of their rent, even if it's slightly below the open-market rates. This scenario mitigates the risk of vacancy and provides a reliable tenant base.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and the ZORI in Arlington, TX, presents an opportunity for landlords to increase their yields by accepting Section 8 vouchers. With the FMR being $1580 and the ZORI at $1402, the additional $178 per month represents a 12.7% premium over the market rate. This financial advantage, combined with the high percentage of renters and the economic context of Arlington, makes it a favorable investment for those looking to maximize returns on their rental properties.
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.