Location: Swisher County, TX | Metro: Briscoe County, TX
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $66,786 | 1.51% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $127,498 | 1.11% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 79088, located in Tulia, TX, and part of the Swisher County, TX metro area, does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for fiscal year 2026 is significantly higher than the current market rent of $771 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to charge the FMR without facing vacancy issues.
Acquisition in this area is affordable. With a median home value of $94,124, potential investors can acquire properties at a reasonable cost. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the low 0.1% price-cut share indicate that while homes are inexpensive, they may not sell quickly, and once sold, owners are unlikely to need to reduce their asking price.
Tenant demand in ZIP 79088 is moderate. The population stands at 5,302, with 40.2% of residents being renters. This means approximately 2,131 individuals are actively seeking rental housing, providing a steady but not overwhelming demand for rental units.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 79088 presents a mixed picture. While the acquisition cost is low, the mismatch between the FMR and actual market rents poses a challenge. The demand for rentals is present, but it's limited by the size of the local population. Landlords should be cautious about pricing their rentals too high to avoid extended vacancies. Despite these challenges, the affordability of property acquisition makes this area worth considering for investors who can manage their rental pricing effectively and are prepared for a slower pace of sales and acquisitions.
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.