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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,919 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,065 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,260 | $383,518 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $1,740 | $610,873 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 81643, located in Mesa, Colorado, within the Grand Junction, CO MSA metro area, reveals several key points that investors should consider. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1090 for this zip code. However, the lack of available market rent data means that we cannot directly compare it to the FMR. Based on the HUD FMR alone, voucher tenants would likely cashflow at the FMR rate, but the absence of market rent data prevents us from making a definitive statement on whether this cashflow occurs marginally or only with premium units.
To further understand the rental market dynamics, we can look at the median home value in the area, which stands at $532,082. This figure allows us to calculate a rent-to-price ratio, which is crucial for assessing whether renting or buying makes more sense for potential tenants. With a median home value of $532,082 and an FMR of $1090, the implied annual rent would be approximately $13,080, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of roughly 2.45%. This low ratio suggests that buying may be more attractive than renting for many individuals, although this depends heavily on interest rates and other economic factors.
The N/A-day median Days on Market (DOM) and N/A% price cut share indicate that there is insufficient data to provide a comprehensive view of how quickly properties sell and the frequency of price reductions in the area. This lack of information could affect the buy-versus-rent decision, as it does not give us a clear picture of the local housing market's liquidity and pricing trends.
In conclusion, for Section 8 investors in ZIP 81643, the strongest angle remains cashflow due to the HUD FMR being the primary benchmark without contradicting market rent data. The low rent-to-price ratio suggests stability in the housing market, as potential tenants might prefer purchasing over renting. However, the limited data on DOM and price cuts mean that further investigation into the local real estate market conditions is necessary to fully assess the investment landscape.
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.