Location: Hamilton County, TX | Metro: Bosque County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 76649 presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median household income in this area stands at $81,771, which places a significant burden on those who need to pay the market rate of $1,331 for rent. This amount represents a substantial portion of their income, making it challenging for many households to find affordable housing without financial assistance.
In contrast, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for this metro area, set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, offers a more manageable option for renters. This figure is part of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, and it is designed to ensure that low-income families can afford decent housing. By comparing the FMR to the market rate, we see a clear affordability gap that could influence rental decisions in 76649.
The ZIP code has a population of 813, with 18.3% of residents being renters. Given the size of the population and the percentage of renters, the competition among landlords for tenants who can pay the full market rate is likely to be intense. Those willing to accept Section 8 vouchers will have access to a broader pool of potential tenants, reducing the risk of vacancies and providing a steady stream of income.
The takeaway for landlords considering their strategy in ZIP 76649 is straightforward: accepting Section 8 vouchers can be a competitive advantage. While the voucher payment of $970 is lower than the market rate of $1,331, it ensures a consistent and reliable source of income. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the potentially higher vacancy rates associated with relying solely on market-rate tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.