Location: Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | Metro: Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA
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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,146 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,596 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,510 | $258,491 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,850 | $383,734 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 77657, with a population of 22,258, has a rental market that comprises 16.3% of the total housing units. This indicates that while there is a notable presence of renters, the area is not predominantly renter-heavy. The median household income in this ZIP is $95,718, which provides insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants.
The market rent in 77657 is $1,961, which constitutes approximately 20.5% of the median household income. This suggests that typical rents consume a significant portion of the average resident's earnings, potentially limiting the number of tenants who can afford market rates without assistance.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,080, it becomes evident that market rents are substantially higher than the FMR. The FMR is a benchmark used to determine the payment standard for housing choice vouchers under the Section 8 program. Given the disparity between the market rent and the FMR, landlords in 77657 should anticipate a tenant pool that heavily relies on housing vouchers to offset the cost of living.
To quantify this reliance, consider that a tenant receiving a voucher would need to contribute the difference between the market rent and the FMR. In this case, the tenant would be responsible for paying around $881 per month, which is roughly 9.2% of the median household income. This makes the voucher system particularly attractive to lower-income households in the area.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 77657 should prepare for a tenant pool that is likely to include many individuals seeking housing assistance through vouchers. These tenants will be primarily interested in affordable housing options and will require properties that meet the criteria set forth by the Section 8 program. Expect a mix of middle-income earners who can afford market rates and lower-income individuals who rely on vouchers to manage their housing costs.
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.