Location: Kleberg County, TX | Metro: Brooks County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 78355 represents a significant opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors focusing on Section 8 tenants. With a population of 6,772, nearly half (46.1%) are renters, indicating a robust tenant pool. This high percentage of renters suggests strong demand for rental properties, particularly those that can accommodate Section 8 vouchers.
The median household income in this area is $48,828, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) threshold of $1,070 per month set for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. The current market rent stands at $712, representing a substantial portion of the average income. Specifically, typical rent consumes about 16.6% of the median household income, calculated as $712 divided by $48,828 and multiplied by 100. This figure underscores the financial strain many residents face when paying rent, making them likely candidates for Section 8 assistance.
In comparison to the FMR, the market rent in ZIP 78355 is significantly below the threshold, suggesting that the majority of residents qualify for housing assistance. This creates an environment where Section 8 vouchers are both necessary and plentiful, benefiting landlords who can accept them.
Landlords in this ZIP code should anticipate a tenant profile characterized by individuals and families relying heavily on Section 8 vouchers to secure housing. These tenants will generally have stable incomes, typically from government assistance programs, ensuring consistent rental payments. However, they may also face other challenges common to low-income households, such as limited discretionary funds for maintenance and repairs beyond their monthly contributions.
To summarize, ZIP 78355 is a renter-heavy area with a high concentration of potential Section 8 voucher users. Given the income levels and current market rents, landlords can expect steady occupancy rates from tenants who rely on government subsidies to meet their housing needs.
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.