Location: Grand Junction, CO | Metro: Grand Junction, CO MSA
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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,888 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,235 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,510 | $517,717 | 0.29% | F |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $624,917 | 0.33% | F |
| 4BR | $2,490 | $792,723 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 81524, located in Loma, CO, falls within the broader metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of Grand Junction, CO. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1330. While the market rent for this ZIP code is not available, we can still make some valuable comparisons using the other data points.
The median home value in ZIP 81524 is $645,957, which is notably higher than the average for typical ZIP codes within the Grand Junction, CO MSA. This suggests that 81524 is likely a premium sub-market within the metro, attracting residents who are willing to pay a premium for housing in this area. The higher home values could be indicative of desirable amenities, better schools, or a more affluent demographic compared to other areas within the MSA.
However, the renter share in 81524 stands at 14.7%. This figure is lower than what might typically be expected in a premium sub-market, where higher rents often correlate with a larger proportion of renters. In contrast, a high renter share combined with below-average home values would often signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 properties. Given the above-average home values and relatively low renter share, it's less likely that 81524 represents a value pocket or a mid-tier neighborhood within the context of Section 8 investments.
In summary, ZIP 81524 appears to be a premium sub-market within the Grand Junction, CO MSA, characterized by high home values and a modest renter population. For landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to leverage Section 8, this ZIP code may not offer the best opportunities due to its higher cost basis and potentially smaller pool of eligible tenants. Investors should seek areas with more balanced ratios of home values and renter shares to identify value pockets or mid-tier neighborhoods.
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.