Location: Bent County, CO | Metro: Bent County, CO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 81044, located in Bent County, Colorado, presents a strategic opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in a diversified approach to real estate investing. This area is best categorized as a diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy.
The median income of $58,500 in ZIP 81044 aligns well with the financial assistance provided under the Section 8 program. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which is below the market rent of $1,063. This indicates that properties in ZIP 81044 can be rented out at a rate slightly higher than the subsidized amount, providing a modest cash flow. However, the primary focus should not be on cash flow but rather on diversification due to the significant renter share of 34.3%.
The low percentage of price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) suggest that the housing market in ZIP 81044 is stable and not prone to rapid appreciation or depreciation. Therefore, it does not serve as an ideal cash-flow anchor where the goal is to maximize immediate returns. Instead, the high renter share provides a buffer against potential vacancies, making it a safer bet for long-term investment stability.
In summary, ZIP 81044 should be viewed as a diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. With a median home value of $118,907 and a significant portion of the population relying on rental housing, this area offers a balanced mix of risk and reward, ensuring that your portfolio remains resilient against market fluctuations while also benefiting from the steady demand for affordable rental units.
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.