Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 81144 - 2027

Location: Rio Grande County, CO | Metro: Alamosa County, CO

Investment Score for ZIP 81144

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,260

Median Price (2BR)

$194,197

1% Rule

0.65%

Annual Yield

7.79%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$940
1 Bedroom	$970
2 Bedrooms	$1,260
3 Bedrooms	$1,510
4 Bedrooms	$1,960
5 Bedrooms	$2,274
6 Bedrooms	$2,547
7 Bedrooms	$2,751
8 Bedrooms	$2,889

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
1BR	$970	$155,042	0.63%	D
2BR	$1,260	$194,197	0.65%	D
3BR	$1,510	$274,642	0.55%	F
4BR	$1,960	$357,683	0.55%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

6,543

Median Household Income

$64,662

Housing Units

2,973

Renter Percentage

32.3%

Occupancy Rate

93.5%

Renter Occupied

898

The ZIP code 81144, located in Monte Vista, Colorado, offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessibility to outdoor activities, making it an attractive living space for residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista provides a serene environment while still being within reach of essential amenities and services.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,090. This figure serves as a benchmark for rental prices in the region, indicating the maximum amount that low-income households can afford for housing.
The market rent, as per the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $941. This represents the average rent paid by tenants in the area, offering insight into the current demand and affordability of rental properties.
The median home value in Monte Vista is $269,201. This statistic reflects the typical price of homes in the area and can be used by investors to gauge the potential resale value of their properties.
Renters make up 32.3% of the local housing market. This suggests a significant portion of the population is interested in renting rather than owning property, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to maintain occupancy rates.
The median income in Monte Vista is $64,662. This gives landlords and investors a clear understanding of the earning capacity of the local population, helping them to target their rental offerings appropriately.

In summary, Monte Vista presents a balanced market where rental prices are currently below the projected FMR for 2026, indicating room for growth. The median home value suggests a stable real estate market, while the substantial renter share points towards a steady demand for rental properties. With a median income that supports these rental prices, investors can expect a favorable environment for generating consistent returns on their investments.

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.