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 | $1,550 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,642 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,405 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,625 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,880 | $222,263 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $2,530 | $268,092 | 0.94% | C |
| 4BR | $3,140 | $336,314 | 0.93% | C |
| 5BR | $3,642 | $425,130 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Atascocita (ZIP 77346) is a master-planned suburban community situated northeast of Houston, characterized by expansive residential neighborhoods and a heavy reliance on the Humble Independent School District, a major local institution drawing families to the area. The region retains a distinct suburban feel with access to Lake Houston, offering residents recreational amenities like boating and fishing. Recent infrastructure improvements focus on expanding major thoroughfares to accommodate growth, though public transit remains limited, reinforcing the area’s car-dependent nature. Local landlord regulations are generally aligned with standard Texas property laws, presenting a relatively straightforward operating environment for investors compared to more restrictive municipalities.
Financially, the market presents a tight spread for voucher holders. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit is currently $1,980, while the market rent (Zillow ZORI) sits at $1,838. This creates a modest surplus of $142 per month in your favor. However, acquisition costs are notable, with a median home value of $311,565 and a specific median 2BR sale price of $224,082. Properties are moving at a measured pace, with a median days on market of 69 days, suggesting a balanced environment where inventory is not flying off the shelves but is moving steadily.
The tenant pool here is demographically strong, with a median household income of $122,241 significantly outpacing typical voucher thresholds, which implies a lower density of traditional Section 8 applicants compared to urban cores. The renter share is only 18.3%, indicating a homeowner-heavy market. Demand for vouchers will likely stem from specific segments of the population, particularly those prioritizing the highly-rated Humble ISD schools or the stability of the suburban environment. Because the population is affluent, voucher tenants here are often employed families seeking better school districts rather than individuals with zero income.
The strongest investor angle in Atascocita is stability and appreciation rather than aggressive cash flow. With the 2BR FMR ($1,980) exceeding market rents ($1,838), your payments are secure relative to the neighborhood standard, and the high median income suggests low economic volatility. The $142 gap allows you to participate in the market without taking a discount, while the high home values point toward long-term asset growth in a sought-after school district.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.