Location: Stonewall County, TX | Metro: Stonewall County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 79502, located in the Stonewall County, TX metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which is significantly higher than the local market rent of $613. This spread ensures that landlords can generate consistent positive cash flow from properties in this ZIP code.
The median home value in ZIP 79502 is $97,961, making it an affordable option for first-time investors or those looking to enter the rental market without a large initial investment. However, it's important to note that appreciation plays are not applicable here due to the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM).
This ZIP code stands out as a diversifier within a larger portfolio due to its 16.2% renter share. This indicates a substantial portion of the population relies on rental housing, providing a stable demand for rental units. Additionally, the median income of $52,333 suggests that tenants in this area are likely to be eligible for Section 8 vouchers, given the lower rent levels relative to their income. This further supports the feasibility of a Section 8-focused investment strategy in ZIP 79502.
To summarize, ZIP 79502 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The significant gap between the FMR and the local market rent ensures steady positive cash flow, while the affordability of the median home value and the high renter share make it a valuable addition to any diversified investment plan.
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.