Location: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | Metro: Brownsville-Harlingen, 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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $151,977 | 0.8% | C |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $287,906 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $415,841 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 78575, located in Rancho Viejo, TX, has a population of 4,575 residents, with 44.0% being renters. This indicates a significant rental market presence, though it is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters. The median household income in this area stands at $71,765, which provides a baseline for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants.
The market rent in ZIP 78575 is set at $1,085 per month, representing approximately 15.1% of the median household income. This calculation is derived from dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income ($1,085 / $71,765 * 12 months = 15.1%). In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is $1,250, as of FY 2024, indicating that the actual market rent is slightly below the federally determined FMR.
A landlord in this ZIP code can expect a tenant pool that includes individuals who rely on Section 8 housing vouchers. However, given the median income level, it is also likely that some tenants will be able to afford market rents without assistance. The demand for Section 8 vouchers is moderate due to the significant proportion of renters in the area. Landlords should prepare for a mix of tenants, including those who require housing assistance and those who do not.
It's important to note that while the median income suggests that many households could afford the market rent, the percentage of renters implies a substantial portion of the population is seeking affordable housing options. Therefore, landlords should be prepared to engage with tenants who have varying levels of income and may require housing vouchers to meet their rental obligations.
In summary, ZIP 78575 presents a balanced rental market with a notable presence of renters and moderate demand for Section 8 vouchers. The typical rent of $1,085 consumes around 15.1% of the median household income, making it accessible to a wide range of tenants. Landlords should anticipate a diverse tenant base, with some relying on housing assistance programs to cover their living expenses.
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.