Location: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | Metro: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The gap between the FMR and the market rent is substantial. For instance, if we take the upper limit of the market rent range ($999), the difference between the FMR ($1150) and the market rent is $151, which represents approximately a 15.1% premium over the market rate. This premium makes ZIP 77466 an attractive yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors who can accept housing voucher tenants.
The reason for this attractiveness is straightforward: voucher tenants pay their portion of the rent (typically 30-40% of their income) and the government covers the remaining amount up to the FMR. In ZIP 77466, with a median income of $46,750, the tenant's contribution would be around $1,400 to $1,870 annually, translating to roughly $117 to $156 monthly. Given that the FMR is $1150, the landlord would receive a consistent and reliable payment from the government subsidy, ensuring a higher occupancy rate and steady cash flow.
Moreover, the percentage of renters in ZIP 77466 stands at 24.1%, indicating a reasonable demand for rental properties. Although the median home value is not specified, the high number of renters suggests that there is a strong market for rental properties, especially those that cater to voucher holders.
In conclusion, the gap between the FMR and the market rent in ZIP 77466 presents a clear opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to benefit from the housing voucher program. By accepting voucher tenants, they can secure a higher rent than the typical market rate, making it a strategic investment choice.
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.