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 | $1,340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,051 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,690 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,875 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,600 | $186,871 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $2,090 | $322,064 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $2,630 | $410,463 | 0.64% | D |
| 5BR | $3,051 | $544,732 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 analysis for ZIP code 76012 in Arlington, TX, reveals a positive gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI), indicating a potential yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The FMR for ZIP 76012 is set at $1480 for fiscal year 2024, while the market rent, as measured by ZORI, stands at $1459. This means that the FMR is $21 higher than the market rent, representing a 1.44% premium.
This gap suggests that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can potentially earn slightly above the average market rate. Given that Arlington has a rental population of 33.0%, it's crucial for landlords to consider the benefits of attracting voucher tenants. The median home value in Arlington is $338,488, and the median income is $88,141, which underscores the economic diversity of the area and the significant number of residents who rely on rental assistance programs.
The higher FMR compared to the ZORI implies that voucher holders can afford rents that are marginally higher than what non-voucher tenants might pay. For landlords, this presents an opportunity to achieve better yields without setting rents so high that they deter potential tenants. However, it's important to note that accepting Section 8 vouchers also involves administrative responsibilities and sometimes stricter maintenance standards, which must be weighed against the financial benefits.
In conclusion, the slight premium of $21 or 1.44% in FMR over ZORI makes ZIP 76012 a favorable location for landlords looking to leverage the Section 8 program to enhance their investment returns. The analysis is anchored in the local context of Arlington, where the rental market is a significant part of the housing landscape, and many residents depend on rental assistance to secure housing.
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.