Location: Refugio County, TX | Metro: Refugio County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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 market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 78393 within the Refugio County, TX metro area reveals a competitive landscape. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026, while the market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,009. This indicates that landlords can expect to cashflow marginally when renting to voucher tenants at the FMR rate, assuming they have units priced close to the FMR.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $126,966. Given the HUD FMR of $970, the annual rent equivalent would be $11,640. Thus, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 9.2%, calculated as $11,640 divided by $126,966. This ratio suggests that rental income represents a significant portion of the property's value, making it a favorable investment for those seeking steady cashflow.
The dynamics between rental and buying markets are crucial for investors. However, due to the lack of specific data on median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, it's challenging to provide a precise comparison. Nonetheless, the relatively low median home value combined with a moderate rent-to-price ratio implies that the area may offer stability rather than rapid appreciation. Landlords should focus on maintaining properties to ensure long-term tenant retention and steady income.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 78393 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR slightly below the market rent, landlords can achieve positive cashflow, especially with efficient management and occupancy rates. This makes the area attractive for investors looking to generate reliable monthly income from their properties.
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.