Location: Wharton County, 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $333,727 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $438,910 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 77485, located in Harris County, Texas, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 4,378 residents, it has a relatively low percentage of renters at 22.2%, indicating a strong preference for homeownership among its inhabitants. The median income here is $51,742, which is modest compared to the median home value of $328,726. This suggests that while the area is not extremely wealthy, it does attract individuals who are willing to invest significantly in property.
Moving into the specifics of Section 8 housing assistance, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 77485 is set at $910 for fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the market rent, according to Census ACS data, is slightly higher at $945. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect a slight decrease in rental income compared to the market rate, but the difference is minimal. The disparity between the FMR and market rent is only $35 per month, making the financial impact on landlords negligible.
Given these figures, the data signature for ZIP 77485 reads as stable. The modest income levels combined with high median home values indicate a steady demand for both rental and owned properties. The slight discrepancy between the FMR and market rent does not pose significant challenges for landlords, ensuring that the rental market remains predictable and consistent. For small-portfolio investors, this stability provides a reliable environment for investment, minimizing risk and ensuring steady returns.
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.