Location: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | Metro: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,970 | $211,746 | 0.93% | C |
| 4BR | $2,440 | $247,712 | 0.99% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 77048 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,190. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning that the government will pay up to this amount on behalf of eligible tenants. It's important to note that this is not the total rent you can charge; it's the maximum subsidy amount.
In comparison, the local median asking rent for ZIP 77048 is $1,671, which is significantly higher than the FMR. This difference suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program may have to adjust their expectations regarding rental income.
The 41.4% renter share indicates that over 40% of households in 77048 are renters, signaling a strong demand for rental properties. However, this also implies that there is competition among renters, and many may be seeking subsidized housing options like Section 8.
If you're considering purchasing a property in this area for a Section 8 rental, the average home price stands at $219,658. This is the typical cost you would incur to acquire a property suitable for your investment.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in ZIP 77048, verify that the property meets all local housing quality standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe and habitable, which is essential for approval under the Section 8 program.
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.