Location: Schleicher County, TX | Metro: Menard County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 76841 presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the discrepancy between the market rent and the $970 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026, which is based on the metropolitan area. This gap can lead to higher tenant churn, as individuals may prefer to seek housing that better matches their budget or market conditions.
Vacancy exposure is another issue. The average days on market (DOM) is not available, but given the high renter share of 66.7%, it's likely that there will be periods where properties remain vacant. During these times, landlords must still cover expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments without rental income.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. Although the typical home value is not specified, the median income of $108,563 suggests that residents might have the financial capability to afford higher rents. However, landlords should be prepared for potential maintenance issues that tenants might not address promptly, leading to increased costs and possible delays in finding new tenants willing to accept the FMR.
On the positive side, the high renter density in ZIP 76841 translates into a robust demand for rental properties, including those accepting Section 8 vouchers. This high demand can help mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and tenant turnover, as there is likely to be a continuous pool of interested tenants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.