Location: College Station-Bryan, TX | Metro: College Station-Bryan, TX MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 77856 within the College Station-Bryan, TX MSA reveals a mixed picture for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1080. However, the market rent as per the Census ACS data stands at $945. This suggests that landlords might face challenges in setting rents at the FMR level without risking vacancy rates due to the current market conditions.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 77856 is $370,361. While this figure does not provide direct insight into the cost of rental properties, it can be indicative of the overall real estate pricing in the area. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the fact that only 0.2% of homes have had their prices cut suggest a stable market where homes are selling relatively quickly once listed. This implies that acquiring rental properties could be feasible, but investors should expect to pay close to the asking price.
The third point to consider is the tenant demand. With a population of 5,515 and a renter share of 25.4%, there are approximately 1,400 renters in the area. This number represents a modest tenant pool, which is crucial for sustaining rental income. Given the population size, demand is likely to remain steady, but not explosive, making it suitable for cautious investment strategies.
In summary, while the rent math in ZIP 77856 presents some challenges with the FMR exceeding market rent, the acquisition costs are stable and indicate a brisk sales pace. Tenant demand is moderate, with a significant portion of the population renting. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, the area offers a balanced opportunity with manageable risks and consistent returns. However, careful pricing and strategic property selection will be key to maximizing profitability.
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.