Location: Eagle County, CO | Metro: Eagle County, CO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,870 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,568 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,236 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,735 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $7,072 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for landlords investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 81620 are significant and must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover poses a substantial challenge, as the market rent stands at $4,272, compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $2,550 for the fiscal year 2026. This disparity suggests that tenants might struggle to afford market rates, leading to frequent moves and higher vacancy rates.
Vacancy exposure is another critical concern. The days on market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant. However, the typical home value in the area is $1,257,031, while the median household income is $102,775. This indicates that many residents may find it challenging to cover the difference between market rent and FMR, potentially resulting in longer vacancy periods and financial strain on landlords.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. Given the high typical home value, landlords should anticipate that maintaining rental properties to meet Section 8 standards will require considerable investment. If these costs are not factored into the budget, it could lead to substandard living conditions and legal issues, affecting both the property's value and the landlord's reputation.
Despite these challenges, there are mitigating factors that make the situation less dire. The renter share in ZIP 81620 is 46.9%, which is notably high. High renter density typically translates into greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.