Location: San Juan County, UT | Metro: Dolores 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,490 | $182,327 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $2,060 | $239,023 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Dove Creek, Colorado (ZIP 81324), landlords considering Section 8 investments should be aware of several potential issues. Firstly, tenant turnover can be a significant concern due to the difference between the market rent of $960 and the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026, which is set at $1,580 for the metro area. This gap indicates that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR, leading to increased turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another critical factor. With the Days on Market (DOM) being listed as N/A, it suggests there's limited data available on how quickly properties typically get rented out in Dove Creek. This uncertainty can make it difficult to predict vacancy periods and their financial impact.
Deferred maintenance poses a threat as well. The typical home value in Dove Creek is around $228,874, while the median income stands at $71,630. These figures indicate that residents might have limited funds available for property upkeep, potentially leaving landlords responsible for maintaining the property to meet Section 8 standards.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area. The renter share is 23.0%, which is relatively high and often correlates with a greater demand for housing vouchers. This means that despite the challenges, there is a solid pool of potential tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance, reducing the likelihood of extended vacancies.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in Dove Creek, CO.
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.