Location: Routt County, CO | Metro: Moffat 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 | $1,560 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,670 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,318 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,716 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,013 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,214 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,820 | $220,354 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $2,190 | $315,182 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,860 | $380,668 | 0.75% | D |
| 5BR | $3,318 | $448,809 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 81625, located in Craig, CO, presents an interesting mix of yield and stability for real-estate investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected at $1,710, significantly higher than the local market rent of $1,046. This suggests a strong potential for rental income, especially if properties can be positioned to attract tenants willing to pay closer to the FMR rates.
However, the median home value in the area is $304,932, which must be considered against the average income of $75,812. This indicates that while there is room for higher rents, the overall affordability of the housing market might limit the ability to charge premium rents consistently. Additionally, with 30.6% of residents being renters, there is a notable but not overwhelming demand for rental properties, suggesting moderate stability in the rental market.
The lack of data on the number of days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties can be rented out or flipped. However, based on the other available metrics, this area does not fit neatly into either a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it falls somewhere in between, offering a balance between rental income potential and market stability.
For small-portfolio investors, the key will be to find properties that can be renovated and rented out at a rate close to the FMR without exceeding the local price-to-income ratio. This strategy could maximize returns while maintaining a stable occupancy rate.
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.