Location: Austin County, TX | Metro: Austin County, 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $237,793 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,470 | $337,943 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,770 | $504,288 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 77418, located in Bellville, TX, presents a market in motion characterized by distinct dynamics between rental and homeownership sectors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $910 for fiscal year 2024, while the actual market rent, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is higher at $1,130. This suggests that the rental market is robust and potentially experiencing upward pressure on rents.
The low price-cut share of 0.1% indicates that sellers in the homeownership market are confident in their asking prices, rarely needing to reduce them to facilitate sales. However, the median home value of $420,730 provides a stable backdrop for the local real estate economy. Despite these indicators, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to definitively conclude whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. Nonetheless, the low rate of price cuts implies that demand is likely steady, if not slightly exceeding supply.
A 26.9% renter share is notable, indicating a significant portion of the population chooses to rent rather than own property. This trend points towards ongoing long-term housing pressure, as a substantial number of residents may find homeownership less accessible due to financial constraints or other factors. As a result, the rental sector remains an essential component of the local housing landscape, supporting both current residents and potential new arrivals who might prefer renting initially.
In summary, the market in ZIP 77418 exhibits a balance between rental and homeownership dynamics, with strong signals pointing towards a healthy rental market and stable homeownership values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of the robust rental pricing and the steady demand for homes, which can influence investment decisions in the area.
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.