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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,854 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,196 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,452 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,625 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,500 | $206,372 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,960 | $269,673 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $2,460 | $360,920 | 0.68% | D |
| 5BR | $2,854 | $365,897 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median family income in ZIP 76135 (Fort Worth, TX) is $76,173, and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,440 for a one-bedroom unit. This figure raises concerns among some investors regarding whether it will sufficiently cover the mortgage on a home valued at $283,369. To put this into perspective, let’s consider the typical mortgage rate for a home in this region.
According to recent data, the median home value in ZIP 76135 is slightly under $283,369, at $250,600. Assuming a mortgage rate of around 5%, the monthly payment on a $283,369 home would be approximately $1,480 without considering property taxes and insurance. Therefore, the FMR of $1,440 would indeed fall short of covering the mortgage payment alone. However, it’s important to note that the FMR is designed to reflect a reasonable rent level for a modest apartment, not necessarily the mortgage cost of a single-family home. Investors might want to look at multi-unit properties or consider renting out additional rooms to meet their financial goals.
The rental market in ZIP 76135 is robust, with an occupancy rate of 39.1%. Some investors might question if this percentage indicates sufficient demand. In reality, an occupancy rate of 39.1% means that nearly 4 out of every 10 homes are rented, suggesting a healthy rental market. Additionally, the average rental price in Fort Worth, TX is $2,088, which is higher than the FMR, indicating that there is a segment of the market willing to pay above the FMR for quality rentals.
Another concern is whether Section 8 vouchers will keep pace with market rents, especially when the average market rent is $1,695. According to the Housing Choice Voucher Data Dashboard, the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in Fort Worth, TX, for 2026 is projected to be between $857 and $1,689. While this range does include the $1,695 market rent, it’s worth noting that the voucher amount can vary based on specific conditions and needs of the tenant. In practice, landlords should expect that vouchers may cover a significant portion but not necessarily the entire market rent. They might need to supplement the difference or consider adjusting their rental strategies to align with voucher amounts.
In summary, while the FMR of $1,440 for ZIP 76135 might not fully cover the mortgage on a $283,369 home, the strong rental market with a 39.1% occupancy rate suggests there is ample demand for rentals. Moreover, though Section 8 vouchers are expected to rise to levels close to market rents, they may not always cover the full amount, necessitating careful planning by landlords.
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.