Location: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | Metro: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA
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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,888 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,235 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,120 | $368,224 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 76530 is not heavily dominated by renters; only 11.2% of the population are renters, indicating that it is primarily a homeowner-dominated area. With a total population of 2,598, this suggests that there are approximately 291 renters in the area. The median household income is $106,250, which provides a strong economic base but does not directly correlate with market rent figures as they are not provided.
To understand the impact of Section 8 vouchers, we can compare the Fair Market Rent (FMR) to the median income. The FMR for ZIP 76530 is set at $1,470 for FY 2024. Assuming an average household spends around 30% of their income on housing, a household earning the median income would allocate about $26,550 annually towards rent, or roughly $2,212.50 per month. This means that the FMR represents less than 67% of the monthly income of a median-income household, suggesting that Section 8 vouchers are significantly below the local rental market price.
The scarcity of renters in the area implies that the demand for Section 8 vouchers is likely to be lower compared to areas with a higher percentage of renters. However, given the FMR and the median income, landlords in ZIP 76530 can expect tenants who rely on vouchers to have limited financial flexibility beyond rent payments. These tenants will likely seek affordable housing options that align closely with the FMR.
A landlord in ZIP 76530 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals and families who require government assistance to meet housing costs. While these tenants may be reliable in terms of timely rent payments due to the voucher program, they might struggle with additional expenses such as security deposits, utilities, and maintenance fees. Landlords must consider the potential for slower lease-up times and possibly fewer applicants due to the low density of renters.
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.