Location: Garfield County, CO | Metro: Eagle 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 | $1,830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,069 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,131 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,438 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,130 | $721,810 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 81637 reveals a unique balance between yield and stability that can be particularly appealing to landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 stands at $2,380, while the market rent is slightly lower at $2,140. This indicates a strong rental demand, as the FMR typically reflects the average rent for the lowest 40% of income earners. Given the median home value of $697,202, the rental rates suggest a decent yield when compared to the cost of property.
In terms of stability, the ZIP code has a significant portion of its population as renters—28.2%. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess the ease of renting out properties. The median household income in the area is relatively high at $109,209, which suggests a stable tenant base with good financial standing.
Based on these figures, ZIP 81637 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone. The high median home value coupled with a healthy rental rate implies that the investment would generate reliable returns without the risks associated with highly volatile markets. The substantial percentage of renters and the robust income levels support the idea that tenants will likely have the means to maintain consistent payments, contributing to the overall stability of the investment.
To summarize, the primary factors influencing this classification are the favorable rental yields relative to home values and the presence of a stable tenant pool due to higher incomes. These conditions make ZIP 81637 a promising option for those seeking a balanced approach to real estate investment.
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.