Location: Montrose County, CO | Metro: Delta 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,073 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,310 | $478,601 | 0.27% | F |
| 3BR | $1,820 | $598,087 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 81415, located in Crawford, CO, within the Montrose County metro area, reveals a competitive rental environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,210 for fiscal year 2026, is slightly below the actual market rent of $1,313 based on recent Census ACS data.
Voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the HUD FMR rate. Landlords should expect that properties rented at the FMR may require some level of compromise on amenities or location to attract tenants who can only pay up to $1,210 per month. However, the market rent being higher indicates there is demand for units that exceed the FMR, which could be a consideration for investors willing to offer premium units.
The median home value in ZIP 81415 is $526,383. This figure provides insight into the local real estate market, with a resulting rent-to-price ratio indicating that the annual rent ($15,756) represents approximately 3% of the median home value. This suggests a relatively stable housing market where rental income aligns closely with property values.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, and the share of homes that have experienced price cuts is a mere 0.1%. These statistics suggest a strong seller's market, where homes are likely to sell quickly without significant price reductions. However, given the context of this analysis, these factors are less relevant to the immediate cashflow considerations but do support the overall stability and potential appreciation of the area.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is stability. With a slight gap between the HUD FMR and market rent, coupled with a robust median home value, investors can anticipate consistent cashflow and a reliable tenant pool, making this an attractive option for those seeking a steady investment in the Montrose County metro area.
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.