Location: Menard County, TX | Metro: Menard County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 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)
The ZIP code 76848 presents several challenges for potential Section 8 landlords. Tenant turnover could be a significant issue, as the market rent is not available but the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $980 for fiscal year 2026, which may not cover all operational costs. This disparity can lead to frequent changes in occupancy, causing instability in rental income and necessitating additional resources for screening and onboarding new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The days on market (DOM) figure is not available, making it difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant between tenants. Extended periods of vacancy can result in lost income and increased expenses related to property maintenance and insurance.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With no specific data on typical home values or median incomes, it's challenging to assess the financial capacity of residents to maintain their homes properly. Poor maintenance can lead to costly repairs and a decline in property quality over time.
However, these risks must be weighed against the fact that the renter share in ZIP 76848 is 0.0%. High renter density typically correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize the rental income for landlords. Despite the lack of detailed local data, the absence of homeownership suggests a potentially strong demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers.
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.