Location: Howard County, TX | Metro: Martin County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,854 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,196 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,452 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,625 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 79748 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This figure represents the maximum amount that landlords can charge for Section 8 housing vouchers in the area. With 36.0% of residents being renters, the FMR plays a significant role in the rental market dynamics.
Without specific market rent data, it is challenging to state the exact gap between the FMR and the market rent. However, it is crucial to understand that if the market rent exceeds the FMR, landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers may face a financial shortfall. Conversely, if the FMR is higher than the market rent, voucher tenants could represent a yield play, allowing landlords to maintain occupancy rates without sacrificing profitability.
In ZIP 79748, landlords must consider the implications of accepting Section 8 tenants carefully. If the FMR is indeed above the market rent, it suggests that voucher tenants can pay more than what the average market might offer, making it a potentially attractive option for maintaining steady cash flows. However, if the market rent were hypothetically lower, landlords would need to assess the costs associated with housing voucher tenants below open-market rates, including potential administrative burdens and the risk of vacancy when market conditions improve.
To anchor this analysis, we know that 36.0% of residents are renters, and the median household income is $48,438. These figures indicate that a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, and many may require assistance such as Section 8 vouchers to afford living in the area. Therefore, understanding the relationship between FMR and market rent is critical for landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP 79748.
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.