Location: Throckmorton County, TX | Metro: Abilene, TX MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 79533, located in Throckmorton County, TX, reveals a competitive rental environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $950, while the market rent, according to Census ACS data, averages $1,286. This means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will experience negative cash flow on average units, as the FMR does not cover the typical market rent. To achieve positive cash flow, landlords must focus on properties that can be rented below the market average or seek out premium units where the rent is closer to the FMR.
The median home value in ZIP 79533 is not available, which makes deriving an exact rent-to-price ratio challenging. However, given the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, it's evident that the rent-to-price ratio is likely unfavorable for Section 8 properties. This suggests that the area may not offer strong appreciation potential, as property values are not directly supported by high rental income.
The days on market (DOM) and price-cut share data are also not available, but these metrics would typically be important for understanding the rent-versus-buy dynamics. Without this data, it's difficult to gauge how quickly homes sell or how often sellers need to reduce their asking price, which could impact the local real estate market's stability and attractiveness for investors.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 79533 is stability. While cash flow may be limited due to the lower FMR compared to market rents, the consistent demand for affordable housing and the predictable nature of government-backed vouchers provide a reliable source of income. Appreciation potential is less clear without detailed home value data, but stability ensures that investors can count on steady returns over time.
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.