Location: Limestone County, TX | Metro: Limestone County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
25.9% of residents in ZIP code 76686 are renters, making it a prime location for landlords looking to capitalize on the demand for affordable housing. In this area, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for metro FY 2026 is set at $980, which represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay for rent under the program. This figure is notably higher than the $894 average market rent reported by the Census ACS, indicating a potential premium for properties that meet the criteria for Section 8 participation.
$75,469 is the median income for households in ZIP 76686, suggesting that many families could benefit from the assistance offered by Section 8 vouchers. Despite the lack of data on the median home value, the disparity between the FMR and the market rent implies that there is room for landlords to offer competitive rents while still being within the guidelines of the Section 8 program. The absence of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares indicates a stable market without significant fluctuations or prolonged periods of unsold inventory.
Given the high proportion of renters and the favorable gap between the FMR and market rent, ZIP 76686 presents a solid opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 participation. The ability to charge close to the FMR of $980 while providing an essential service to the community ensures steady and reliable cash flow, especially for those targeting the 25.9% renter share who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing. With the median income at $75,469, the economic profile supports a sustainable demand for rental properties. Therefore, landlords in ZIP 76686 should consider Section 8 as a viable and profitable strategy for their investment portfolio.
Verdict: ZIP 76686 is a good candidate for Section 8 investments.
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.