Location: Grand County, CO | Metro: Grand County, CO
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,460 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,225 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,612 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,901 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,096 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,560 | $399,815 | 0.39% | F |
| 2BR | $1,960 | $578,202 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $2,340 | $922,373 | 0.25% | F |
| 4BR | $2,780 | $1,385,392 | 0.2% | F |
| 5BR | $3,225 | $1,840,560 | 0.18% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP 80442, which encompasses Fraser, CO, and the Grand County area, presents a unique opportunity for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,660, slightly above the current market rent of $1,628 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS).
Voucher tenants in this region will cashflow at FMR, meaning landlords can expect to cover their mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses without financial strain. This makes the area particularly attractive for investors looking to secure stable rental income.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the median home value of $773,527. At an average monthly rent of $1,628, the annual rent would be approximately $19,536. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of roughly 2.5%. This indicates that the cost of renting is relatively low compared to owning, suggesting a favorable environment for renters and potentially higher demand for rental properties.
The median days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, and the price-cut share is 0.2%. These figures imply that the real estate market in this area is highly efficient, with few properties requiring significant price reductions to sell. While these metrics are less relevant for pure rental analysis, they do suggest a strong overall real estate market, which could positively influence property values over time.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 80442 is likely to be cashflow. Given the slight premium of FMR over market rent and the efficient market conditions, investors can expect to generate steady income with minimal risk of vacancy or price erosion. Additionally, the low rent-to-price ratio supports the long-term viability of rental investments in this area, making it an ideal choice for those seeking consistent returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.