Location: Jim Wells County, TX | Metro: Jim Wells County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 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 Section 8 housing voucher program in ZIP code 78375 is characterized by a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. Specifically, the FMR for a unit in this ZIP code is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, while the market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $781. This represents a gap of $189, or approximately 24%, between the two figures.
In ZIP code 78375, where 40.2% of residents are renters and the median household income is $47,941, the discrepancy between FMR and market rent is a critical consideration for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Since the FMR exceeds the market rent, accepting Section 8 tenants becomes a yield play. Landlords can expect to receive a higher rent subsidy than the actual market rate, effectively increasing their net income per unit. This scenario benefits investors who can leverage the higher FMR to achieve better returns on their properties.
The analysis is anchored in the context of a region where the median home value is not available, indicating either a predominantly rental market or insufficient data. Regardless, the high percentage of renters and the relatively low median income suggest that many residents rely on assistance programs like Section 8 to afford housing. Therefore, landlords who choose to participate in the Section 8 program can capitalize on the favorable FMR-to-market-rent ratio, making it a strategic investment opportunity.
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.