Location: Brewster County, TX | Metro: Brewster County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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)
A household in ZIP code 79834, with a median income of $49,617, faces significant challenges in affording the market rate rent of $834 per month. This figure represents the average cost of renting a property in the area according to the latest Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data. However, the situation becomes even more financially strained when considering the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set at $980 for metro areas for fiscal year 2026.
The disparity between the median income and both the market rate and FMR highlights a notable affordability gap. For instance, a household earning the median income would need to allocate over 20% of their gross monthly income towards paying the $834 market rate rent. When the FMR is considered, this allocation jumps to nearly 24%, which is beyond the recommended threshold of 30% for housing expenses.
ZIP 79834 has an exceptionally high rental rate, with 98.4% of the 331 residents being renters. This statistic underscores the competitive landscape for landlords. The high concentration of renters suggests a robust demand for rental properties, but the affordability gap poses a challenge. Landlords must consider whether to cater to voucher holders or focus on cash-paying tenants who might be fewer but have a higher likelihood of meeting rent demands consistently.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while there is strong demand, the affordability issue means that relying solely on market rate rents could limit your tenant pool. Accepting vouchers, despite the lower payment standard of $980 compared to the market rate, can open up opportunities to attract a broader range of tenants. However, it also requires navigating the administrative processes associated with voucher programs. Landlords should weigh these factors carefully, considering the balance between immediate cash flow and long-term occupancy stability.
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.