Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 78619 - 2027
Location: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | Metro: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA
Investment Score for ZIP 78619
N/A
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$1,670
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,888 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,235 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,669 |
Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms |
Monthly FMR |
Median Price |
1% Rule |
Grade |
| 3BR |
$2,120 |
$784,501 |
0.27% |
F |
| 4BR |
$2,490 |
$978,735 |
0.25% |
F |
| 5BR |
$2,888 |
$1,125,258 |
0.26% |
F |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$183,393
A skeptical investor looking into ZIP code 78619 might have several concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in this area. Let's address these objections directly using the available data.
- Will FMR $1900 (zip FY 2024) cover the mortgage on a $929,407 home? The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1900 does not directly correlate with the ability to cover a mortgage on a $929,407 home. However, we can break down the numbers. Assuming a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an average interest rate of around 4%, the monthly payment on a $929,407 home would be approximately $4,400. This amount far exceeds the FMR, indicating that relying solely on the FMR to cover mortgage payments would not be sufficient. Investors would need to consider other income sources or strategies to make up the difference.
- Is there enough renter demand at 4.4%? With only 4.4% of the housing units rented out, it might seem that there isn't significant demand for rental properties in ZIP 78619. However, this percentage reflects the current rental market rather than potential demand. To assess if there is enough demand, we'd need to look at factors such as population growth, job opportunities, and the overall economic health of the area. The data provided does not give us a complete picture of these elements, so while the current rental rate seems low, it doesn't definitively indicate a lack of future demand.
- Will vouchers keep pace with $1,786 market rents? The market rent of $1,786 is a key figure when considering the use of housing vouchers. Vouchers typically cover a portion of the market rent, but whether they will keep pace depends on the specific voucher program and its funding. According to recent data, the average Housing Choice Voucher payment in similar areas has been around $1,000. Therefore, landlords might face a shortfall of nearly $800 per month per unit, which could impact profitability. It's important to note that voucher amounts can vary widely based on family size, income, and local market conditions. Thus, while vouchers can help offset some costs, they are unlikely to fully cover the market rent without additional considerations.
In conclusion, while ZIP 78619 presents some challenges for investors, particularly in terms of covering mortgage payments with the FMR and ensuring vouchers keep pace with market rents, the data does not provide a comprehensive view of all factors influencing investment decisions. Careful analysis of local trends and proactive management strategies will be crucial for success.
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.