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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,587 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,129 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,285 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $183,567 | 0.74% | D |
| 3BR | $1,780 | $224,365 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $2,230 | $323,376 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 76103, located in Fort Worth, TX, reveals several key points regarding the financial viability of renting properties under the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines. The HUD FMR for the area is set at $1270 per month for the fiscal year 2024, which is lower than the market rent as indicated by ZORI (Zillow's Observed Rent Index), currently at $1,382.
This comparison shows that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will experience marginal cash flow on average units, given the $112 difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent. However, with premium units that command higher rents, landlords can achieve positive cash flow despite the voucher rates.
To further understand the investment landscape, the median home value in ZIP 76103 is $220,355. Using this figure, we can calculate a rough rent-to-price ratio by dividing the monthly rent by the home value. This yields approximately 0.63%, indicating that the rental income generated from properties in this area represents a modest percentage of their total value. This suggests that while rental income alone might not cover all expenses, the combination of income and potential property appreciation could provide a compelling investment opportunity.
The data also indicates an N/A-day median DOM (Days on Market) and a 0.2% price-cut share, which are typically indicative of a stable housing market where properties are sold relatively quickly without significant price adjustments. These metrics suggest that the buy-versus-rent dynamics in the area are balanced, favoring both types of investments.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 76103 is likely stability. Despite the marginal cash flow when renting at the HUD FMR, the overall market conditions support steady and predictable returns, making it a reliable location for long-term investment strategies.
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.