Location: McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | Metro: McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $800 | $80,135 | 1% | C |
| 2BR | $1,010 | $124,155 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $174,595 | 0.75% | D |
| 4BR | $1,440 | $244,416 | 0.59% | F |
| 5BR | $1,670 | $354,476 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 78516 in Alamo, TX, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, which is a federally funded initiative to help low-income families afford housing. It's important to note that this is the payment standard, not the actual rent you will receive. The actual rent is determined based on the market value of your property and cannot exceed the FMR.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in this area is approximately $1,175, according to the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI). This indicates that while the FMR is lower than the typical market rate, it still reflects a significant portion of the local rental prices. Given that renters make up about 24.5% of the population in this area, there is a notable demand for affordable housing options, making Section 8 rentals a viable choice for landlords looking to fill vacancies.
If you're considering purchasing a property for a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Alamo, TX, is around $169,098. This can be a useful benchmark when evaluating potential acquisition costs. Keep in mind that the FMR does not cover the entire cost of renting; landlords should also consider other factors such as maintenance, utilities, and vacancy rates when deciding if a Section 8 rental fits their financial goals.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, it's crucial to verify that your property meets all the necessary requirements, including health and safety standards. This ensures that you will be approved by the Housing Authority and can participate in the program without delays or issues.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.