Location: Newton County, TX | Metro: Jasper County, TX
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,390 | $242,149 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 77612 has a population of 9,101 individuals, with 10.3% of them being renters. This indicates that it is not a heavily renter-dominated area, but rather one where homeownership is more prevalent. The median household income in this ZIP is $64,415, which provides context for the rental market dynamics.
The typical market rent in 77612 is $816. This represents approximately 12.7% of the median household income, calculated by dividing the rent by the median income ($816 / $64,415 * 100). This suggests that rent is relatively affordable compared to the income levels of residents, making it accessible for a broad range of tenants.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, as of FY 2026, is set at $970. This figure serves as a benchmark for housing affordability and is used in determining voucher amounts under the Section 8 program. Since the market rent of $816 is below the FMR, landlords can expect that the majority of their rental properties will be within the budget for Section 8 tenants. However, the gap between the market rent and the FMR implies that there might be some flexibility in rental pricing for landlords who wish to cater specifically to Section 8 tenants without fully utilizing the maximum voucher amount.
A landlord in ZIP 77612 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes those relying on Section 8 vouchers. These tenants will have a portion of their rent subsidized, ensuring they pay no more than 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Given the median income and the typical market rent, landlords can expect tenants whose total income allows them to comfortably cover their share of the rent, without placing an undue burden on their finances. This makes the ZIP code suitable for landlords looking to participate in the Section 8 program, as the rental prices are generally aligned with the subsidy limits, facilitating stable tenancies.
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.