Location: San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Metro: San Antonio-New Braunfels, 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,741 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,600 | $288,906 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 78147 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1280. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers in your area, meaning that if you participate in the program, you will receive up to $1280 per month from the government to cover part of the rent for eligible tenants. However, it's important to note that this is not the amount your tenant will pay; rather, it's the maximum reimbursement you can receive.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for apartments in ZIP 78147, according to recent Census American Community Survey data, is $950. The difference between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests that there is room for landlords to potentially charge a higher rent while still being covered by the voucher up to $1280. This can help offset some of the costs associated with maintaining and managing a rental property.
The demand for rentals in this area is strong, with 36.3% of households being renters. This high percentage indicates a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing options, making Section 8 vouchers an attractive option for both tenants and landlords.
When considering acquiring a new rental property in ZIP 78147, the median home value is around $243,600. This price point should be considered alongside the monthly income potential from Section 8 vouchers to determine if the investment aligns with your financial goals.
Before deciding to participate in the Section 8 program, it's crucial to verify that your property meets all the required standards. Specifically, ensure that your rental unit passes a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. This is a mandatory step that checks for basic livability conditions and safety requirements. Failure to meet these standards could result in disqualification from the program, so confirming compliance early on is essential.
In summary, participating in Section 8 in ZIP 78147 can be a viable strategy for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a payment standard of $1280, you can expect competitive reimbursement rates, and the strong rental demand supports the likelihood of finding qualified tenants. Just make sure to check that your property meets the necessary HQS requirements to avoid any issues down the line.
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.