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 | $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,125 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,790 | $209,865 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $2,340 | $395,233 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,940 | $503,006 | 0.58% | F |
| 5BR | $3,410 | $656,210 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median household income in Hurst, TX (ZIP 76054) is $109,881. At the market rate of $1,486 per month for rent, it's clear that the majority of residents can comfortably afford housing without financial strain. This suggests a robust rental market where tenants have the means to pay competitive rates.
However, when comparing the market rate to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,940 for zip code 76054 in fiscal year 2024, a different picture emerges. The FMR is higher than the current market rate, indicating that the government's estimate for what constitutes a reasonable rent payment under the Section 8 voucher program exceeds what most properties in the area currently charge.
With only 13.6% of the 11,744 population being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low. This means that landlords who choose to accept Section 8 vouchers could potentially secure a steady stream of tenants, though they would be limited to the number of voucher holders in the area. On the other hand, landlords who focus on cash-paying tenants have a larger pool to draw from, but must compete with the lower market rates.
The affordability gap highlights a strategic decision point for landlords. Accepting Section 8 vouchers ensures guaranteed income, albeit at a fixed rate that may not reflect the current market conditions. Cash-paying tenants offer the potential for higher rents, aligning more closely with the actual demand and supply dynamics in Hurst.
Takeaway: For landlords in Hurst, TX, accepting Section 8 vouchers can provide stable, if somewhat capped, income. However, focusing on cash-paying tenants allows for capturing the full value of the local rental market, which is currently below the government's FMR. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the potential for higher, market-driven rents.
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.