Location: Uvalde County, TX | Metro: Uvalde County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 78870, located in Uvalde County, TX metro, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,070, which is notably higher than the current market rent of $836. This creates a positive spread of $234 per unit, ensuring that landlords can maintain steady, above-market rental income. Given the lack of data on median home values and appreciation metrics, it's clear that the primary benefit of investing in this ZIP code is the consistent cash flow it provides.
The significant gap between the FMR and the market rent means that landlords can secure a reliable source of income without having to compete with the private market on price. This stability is crucial for those looking to build a solid foundation within their rental portfolio. Additionally, the high FMR compared to market rates suggests that there is a strong demand for affordable housing in this area, making Section 8 units particularly attractive to tenants. As a result, landlords can expect low vacancy rates and a steady stream of rental payments.
While the median income of $54,167 might suggest some potential for appreciation, the absence of specific data points regarding price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) indicates that this ZIP code should be primarily considered for its cash-generating capabilities rather than its potential for capital appreciation. The 22.0% renter share shows that a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, further supporting the case for this ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on leveraging the guaranteed income from Section 8 to ensure financial stability and predictability within their investment strategies.
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.