Location: Rio Blanco County, CO | Metro: Rio Blanco 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $143,674 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $230,335 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $284,082 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental market in ZIP 81648, centered around Rangely, Colorado, presents a unique snapshot that suggests a dynamic environment. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for the fiscal year 2026, and a current market rent of $765 based on recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, there's an observable gap indicating potential upward pressure on rents as the market aligns with the FMR guidelines.
The median home value in this area is $226,685. This figure, combined with the lack of available data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), implies that the residential market is stable but lacks recent transactional activity to provide insights into pricing trends and seller urgency. The absence of these metrics could suggest a relatively balanced market without significant fluctuations in recent sales.
A key indicator of long-term housing pressure is the 22.5% renter share. This percentage signals a moderate level of renters in the community, which can imply ongoing housing demand. In areas where a substantial portion of residents are renters, there's often a sustained need for affordable housing options, driving the rental market and potentially influencing the trajectory of home values.
In summary, while the exact relationship between supply and demand isn't directly evident from the given data points, the gap between the current market rent and the FMR suggests that rents are likely to rise as they approach the benchmark. The moderate renter share indicates a steady demand for rental properties, which could keep the rental market active and influence future housing pressures. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should closely monitor local economic factors and the alignment of market rents with the FMR to make informed decisions about their investments in this ZIP code.
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.