Location: McMullen County, TX | Metro: Atascosa County, 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,340 | $214,158 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 78026, located in Travis County, Texas, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 7,031 residents, it has a rental rate of 27.4%, indicating a significant portion of the community relies on leased properties. The median income for residents in this area is $78,501, which is relatively stable compared to the national average. However, the median home value of $232,374 suggests a higher cost of living relative to income levels.
The voucher economics in ZIP 78026 present an interesting scenario. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set for the fiscal year 2024, is $1,130. This figure is notably higher than the market rent of $993, based on Census ACS data. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of this discrepancy, as it means that voucher holders can potentially afford rents above the typical market rate, providing a financial advantage when leasing properties to tenants with vouchers.
Given the data signature, ZIP 78026 appears to be in a transitional phase. While the median income and home values suggest a middle-class community, the increasing gap between the FMR and market rent could indicate changes in the local housing market. As Travis County continues to grow and attract new residents, particularly those who might rely on rental assistance programs, the demand for affordable housing may rise. This trend could benefit landlords who are willing to accept Section 8 vouchers, as they would have a more reliable tenant pool at slightly elevated rent rates.
To summarize, ZIP 78026 offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for real estate investors. The higher FMR compared to market rent presents a chance for landlords to secure stable income from voucher-assisted tenants. However, the transitional nature of the ZIP's data signature suggests that ongoing monitoring of local economic trends and housing demand will be crucial for making informed investment decisions.
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.