Location: Pitkin County, CO | Metro: Pitkin 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 | $1,820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,070 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,721 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,288 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,711 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,997 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,190 | $886,803 | 0.25% | F |
| 2BR | $2,620 | $1,675,792 | 0.16% | F |
| 3BR | $3,380 | $3,052,024 | 0.11% | F |
| 4BR | $4,070 | $6,272,860 | 0.06% | F |
| 5BR | $4,721 | $10,283,331 | 0.05% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Snowmass Village, CO (ZIP 81615), presents a unique scenario for real-estate investors considering the Section 8 program. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,240 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, the market rent at $2,042, and an average home value of $2,374,925, the yield potential is substantial. The FMR exceeds the market rent by $198, indicating that properties in this ZIP code can command higher rents through Section 8 contracts compared to the local rental market.
The stability of this market is also noteworthy. With 39.2% of residents being renters, there is a significant demand for rental housing. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) suggests that there might be some inefficiencies or unpredictability in the rental market turnover. The median household income of $102,959 provides insight into the economic health of the area, suggesting that tenants may have the financial capacity to meet their obligations, which is a positive indicator for stability.
To classify this market, we must consider both yield and stability. The high FMR relative to the market rent and the average home value indicates a strong yield potential. This makes it attractive for investors looking to maximize returns through government-subsidized rental programs. On the other hand, the stability is somewhat mixed due to the limited DOM data, but the high median income supports a relatively stable tenant pool.
Based on these figures, Snowmass Village, CO, does not fit neatly into a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a market with good yield potential and moderate stability. Investors should focus on the high rental rates they can achieve through Section 8 contracts while being aware of the potential challenges in tenant turnover and market inefficiencies.
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.