Location: Gunnison County, CO | Metro: Delta County, CO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,865 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,466 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,639 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 81434, with a population of 127, has a relatively low percentage of renters at 14.0%. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. The median household income in this ZIP code is notably high at $143,074, suggesting a generally affluent community.
Unfortunately, specific market rent figures for this ZIP code are not available. However, we can infer that due to the high median household income, the typical rent in the area would likely be higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD, which is $1,460 for the metro area for fiscal year 2026. This FMR is used to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance a Section 8 voucher holder can receive.
To understand the impact of this income level on housing affordability, let's consider the FMR as a proxy for market rent. At $1,460 per month, the typical rent consumes approximately 12.5% of the median household income annually. This is calculated by taking the annualized FMR ($17,520) and dividing it by the median household income ($143,074), resulting in a ratio of about 12.5%. In other words, even if we assume the FMR accurately reflects market rents, residents of this ZIP code spend only a small fraction of their income on rent, indicating strong financial stability among tenants.
A landlord in ZIP 81434 should expect tenants who are financially secure and capable of handling higher rent amounts. Given the low percentage of renters and the high median income, it is unlikely that there will be a deep demand for Section 8 vouchers. Instead, landlords might find themselves catering to tenants who can afford market rates without government assistance.
In summary, ZIP 81434 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand. It is a community where homeownership is prevalent, and those who do rent are likely to be financially stable, able to pay market rates that exceed the $1,460 FMR limit. Landlords here should prepare for a tenant pool that is less reliant on rental assistance programs and more capable of paying premium rents.
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.