Location: Aransas County, TX | Metro: Aransas 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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,150 | $168,186 | 0.68% | D |
| 2BR | $1,510 | $253,012 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $2,090 | $356,248 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,220 | $524,112 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $2,575 | $837,927 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 78382, centered around Rockport, TX, is straightforward. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is $1,550. In contrast, the actual market rent, measured by Zillow's ZORI index, stands at $1,493. This creates a gap where the FMR is higher than the market rent, amounting to a difference of $57 or approximately 3.8%.
This scenario makes Rockport an attractive yield play for voucher tenants. Landlords can secure rental incomes that exceed the current market rates by participating in the Section 8 program. Given that only 23.7% of residents are renters, there is a significant opportunity to capitalize on this discrepancy without oversaturating the local rental market. Moreover, the median home value of $308,358 suggests that homeownership is prevalent, making rental properties more valuable for those who rely on them.
The median income of $75,135 further supports the viability of this strategy. With the FMR slightly above the market rent, landlords can expect stable cash flows from tenants whose rents are subsidized. The program ensures that these tenants pay only 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, while the government covers the remainder up to the FMR. This setup provides a reliable tenant base, reducing the risk of vacancies and late payments typically associated with the rental market.
In summary, the $57 gap between the FMR and market rent in Rockport, TX, presents a compelling investment opportunity for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. It translates into a modest but steady yield increase, benefiting from the support structure of the government subsidy while operating in a market with a relatively low percentage of renters.
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.