Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 79257 - 2027

Location: Swisher County, TX | Metro: Briscoe County, TX

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$870
1 Bedroom	$920
2 Bedrooms	$1,150
3 Bedrooms	$1,490
4 Bedrooms	$1,660
5 Bedrooms	$1,926
6 Bedrooms	$2,157
7 Bedrooms	$2,330
8 Bedrooms	$2,447

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

845

Median Household Income

$43,362

Housing Units

530

Renter Percentage

11.0%

Occupancy Rate

67.2%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 79257, located in Midland, Texas, is a growing area that benefits from a robust local economy driven by the oil and gas industry. This sector provides significant employment opportunities, which in turn supports housing demand. The following analysis delves into key metrics that define the rental market in this region.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 79257 is set at $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The actual market rent for the area, based on the Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $543. This indicates a potential gap between HUD's benchmark and what tenants are currently paying.
The median income in ZIP 79257 is $43,362, providing insight into the financial capacity of residents to afford housing.
Renters make up 11.0% of the housing market in this ZIP code, suggesting a smaller but still significant portion of the population relies on rental properties.
While the median home value is not available, the low renter share implies that homeownership is relatively high, possibly due to the economic stability provided by the oil and gas industry.
The Days on Market (DOM) figure is also unavailable, but the discrepancy between the FMR and market rent suggests that there might be room for increasing rental rates without deterring tenants.

For landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter or expand in ZIP 79257, the data points to a stable rental market with room for growth. The substantial difference between the HUD-set FMR and the current market rent presents an opportunity to adjust pricing upwards. However, given the median income, it's crucial to ensure that rents remain affordable to maintain occupancy rates. The high homeownership rate indicates a strong local economy, but the presence of a diverse tenant base, supported by the oil and gas industry, ensures a steady demand for rental units. Investors should focus on properties that offer value and affordability to capitalize on this market dynamics.

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.