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 | $1,590 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,610 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,120 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,619 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,377 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,596 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,900 | $295,230 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $2,490 | $359,081 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $3,120 | $613,004 | 0.51% | F |
| 5BR | $3,619 | $1,026,103 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor might raise several concerns regarding investing in ZIP 76132 (Fort Worth, TX). Let's address these with the available data.
Objection 1: Will the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1700 cover the mortgage on a $446,737 home?
The FMR of $1700 is indeed the maximum that a landlord can charge for a four-bedroom unit in ZIP 76132. However, whether this amount will cover the mortgage depends on the interest rate and loan terms. According to recent data, the average monthly mortgage payment for a home priced at $446,737 could vary widely based on the interest rate. For example, at a 5% interest rate over 30 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $2300, which means the FMR would not cover it entirely. Therefore, investors should consider other sources of income or savings to bridge the gap between the FMR and the mortgage payment.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 67.0%?
The renter demand percentage of 67.0% suggests that a significant portion of the population in ZIP 76132 is renting rather than owning homes. This is a positive indicator for rental properties, as it implies a strong market presence for renters. The listings on RentalSource.com provide evidence of a robust rental market in Fort Worth, with numerous homes and apartments available for rent. While the exact number of renters in ZIP 76132 isn't specified, the overall demand appears to be sufficient to support a healthy rental environment. However, the data does not specify the breakdown of demand by income level or voucher usage, which would be critical for understanding the specific demand for Section 8 properties.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $1,180 market rents?
The average Section 8 voucher payment for a four-bedroom unit in ZIP 76132 is set at $1700 for the fiscal year 2024. Given that the market rent for a similar unit is around $1,180, the voucher amount exceeds the market rate. This means that landlords accepting Section 8 tenants are likely to receive payments that are competitive with market rents, if not slightly higher. However, it's important to note that voucher amounts can fluctuate based on economic conditions and government funding. As of now, the data suggests that vouchers will keep pace with or exceed market rents, but long-term stability cannot be guaranteed without additional information.
In summary, while the FMR of $1700 may not fully cover a mortgage on a $446,737 home, the strong renter demand at 67.0% indicates a viable market for rental properties. Moreover, the current voucher amount is sufficient to meet or exceed the market rent of $1,180. Investors should carefully review their financial situation and consider diversifying their investment portfolio to mitigate risks associated with mortgage coverage and potential changes in voucher payments.
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.