Location: Knox County, TX | Metro: Foard County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 79227 in metro FY 2026 is set at $970. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning that if you participate in the program, the Housing Authority will pay up to $970 per month toward your tenant's rent. However, this does not mean your property's rent must be exactly $970; it can be higher, but the voucher amount remains capped at this figure.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 79227, based on Census American Community Survey data, is around $572. This suggests that the Section 8 payment standard is significantly above the local average, which can make your property more attractive to potential tenants who have a voucher. The gap between the FMR and the average rent indicates a strong subsidy for eligible renters, enhancing the likelihood of finding tenants who can afford your rental property.
The 24.5% renter share in ZIP 79227 signifies that nearly a quarter of households are already renting, creating a solid base of demand for rental properties. If you're considering acquiring a new rental property in this area, the median home value is approximately $85,262, reflecting a relatively affordable market for investment.
Before you decide to enter the Section 8 market, ensure you verify that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are designed to ensure that rental units are safe, decent, and sanitary for residents. While the specifics can vary, they generally cover essential areas such as structural integrity, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Meeting these standards is crucial because they directly impact whether your property will be approved for the program and can affect your ability to collect the full voucher payment.
In summary, participating in Section 8 in ZIP 79227 can provide a steady income stream with the government covering up to $970 of the monthly rent. Given the local average rent of $572, there is a notable incentive for tenants to seek out your property. With a significant portion of the population already renting and a reasonable median home value, the market presents a viable opportunity for investment. However, you must ensure your property complies with HQS to fully capitalize on this 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.