Location: Chaffee County, CO | Metro: Chaffee 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,039 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,676 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,860 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,290 | $575,331 | 0.22% | F |
| 2BR | $1,690 | $546,083 | 0.31% | F |
| 3BR | $2,270 | $706,167 | 0.32% | F |
| 4BR | $2,620 | $891,916 | 0.29% | F |
| 5BR | $3,039 | $1,071,702 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Buena Vista, CO, located in ZIP code 81211, is a small town with a total population of 8,302. It is characterized by a modest rental market where 27.0% of residents are renters. The economic profile of the area is strong, with a median household income of $88,083, indicating a generally well-off community. The median home value stands at $673,688, reflecting the town's relatively high property values.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 81211 is set at $1,310 for metro fiscal year 2026. This figure contrasts sharply with the actual market rent, which is measured at $2,349 (ZORI). This significant gap between FMR and market rent suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program could face a shortfall if they rely solely on voucher payments to cover their costs. To operate profitably under these conditions, landlords must either find ways to reduce expenses or seek additional sources of income.
Given the disparity between FMR and market rent, Buena Vista, CO is better suited for a hands-on value-add buyer rather than a hands-off voucher operator. A hands-off approach would likely result in financial strain due to the inability to cover maintenance, management, and mortgage costs with just the voucher amounts. On the other hand, a hands-on investor who can manage properties effectively, possibly by improving them to attract higher-paying tenants or by lowering operational costs, has a better chance of success in this market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.