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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $139,277 | 1.13% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The dynamics of the ZIP code 78226 present a market in motion, characterized by specific rental and homeownership metrics that offer insights into the local housing landscape. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,100 for fiscal year 2024 and an average market rent of $1,091 according to the Census American Community Survey, it's evident that the rental market is closely aligned with government benchmarks. This suggests that rental prices are stable and reflect broader economic conditions.
The median home value in ZIP 78226 stands at $138,355. While the exact percentage of price cuts and days on market (DOM) are not available, the relatively low median home value indicates that homeownership might be more affordable compared to other areas, which could attract buyers looking for entry-level homes or investment opportunities. However, without historical context, we cannot definitively state whether supply is outpacing demand or vice versa.
A significant 62.2% of the population in ZIP 78226 consists of renters. This high renter share implies a continuous long-term housing pressure, as a substantial portion of residents rely on rental properties rather than owning their homes. Such a trend often signals a robust demand for rental units, which can be advantageous for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking steady income streams. The high proportion of renters also suggests that there may be limited opportunities for homeownership due to various factors, including affordability, availability of homes, or personal preference.
In summary, ZIP 78226 presents a rental market that is well-defined by the FMR and market rent figures, indicating stability. The median home value points towards an affordable homeownership market, though the exact supply-demand relationship requires further analysis. The dominant renter share highlights sustained demand for rental properties, making it a potentially attractive area for real estate investments focused on rentals.
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.