Location: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | Metro: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 78535, located in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA, reveals several key points regarding rental income potential and property investment viability.
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 78535 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. In comparison, the market rent based on Census ACS data stands at $778. This indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the HUD FMR rate, providing a margin of about $132 per unit above the average market rent. Investors can expect stable cashflow from properties rented to voucher holders under these conditions.
The median home value in ZIP 78535 is currently listed as N/A, which suggests that there is insufficient data to calculate an accurate rent-to-price ratio. However, given the positive cashflow margin from voucher rents, it's clear that renting to Section 8 tenants is a financially viable strategy, especially since the lack of median home values implies a predominantly rental market.
Note that the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts are also marked as N/A. This absence of data does not significantly impact the analysis, as the primary focus for Section 8 investors should be on the guaranteed income stream from the government vouchers rather than the fluctuating dynamics of the home buying market.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 78535 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR consistently above the local market rent, investors can secure steady and reliable income without the need for premium units or extensive renovations. This makes ZIP 78535 particularly attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking a low-risk, high-reward 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.