Location: Erath County, TX | Metro: Comanche County, TX
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,480 | $275,171 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 76444, located within Erath County, TX, presents a unique rental market scenario compared to the broader county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which exceeds the actual market rent of $608. This suggests that the government's estimate for what constitutes a fair rent price is higher than what the market is currently bearing, indicating a potential opportunity for landlords to increase rents without significantly deterring tenants.
The median home value in ZIP 76444 stands at $205,681, which is lower than the average home value in the county. Coupled with a relatively high renter share of 23.3%, this could signal a Section 8 sweet spot. Landlords in this area can benefit from the higher FMR set by the government while owning homes that are priced below the county average, making it an attractive location for those looking to leverage Section 8 housing assistance programs.
To determine if ZIP 76444 is a value pocket, mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within its metro, we must consider several factors:
The FMR being above the market rent points towards a value pocket where landlords can potentially charge closer to the FMR without significant resistance from tenants, given the lower cost of home ownership in the area.
A high renter share combined with lower home values indicates a strong presence of renters who might rely on Section 8 vouchers, making this ZIP code particularly appealing for landlords interested in participating in such programs.
The disparity between the FMR and market rent, along with the lower home values, suggests that this area is not a premium sub-market but rather a segment where there is room for growth in rental prices without a corresponding increase in home values.
In conclusion, ZIP 76444 appears to be a value pocket within its metro, offering landlords a chance to operate effectively within the Section 8 program parameters while maintaining competitive rental rates and benefiting from lower property acquisition costs.
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.