Location: Garfield County, CO | Metro: Garfield 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 | $1,460 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,630 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,376 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,781 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,083 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,090 | $410,141 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,890 | $604,946 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,910 | $750,728 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 81652, located in Silt, Colorado, within the Garfield County metro area, does not fully align with the financial goals of landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,950. However, the current market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, stands at $1,873. This indicates that landlords aiming to meet or exceed the FMR might struggle with the current market conditions unless they can increase their rental rates.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 81652 is $613,737. While this figure is high, it is important to note that the average number of days on the market (DOM) is not available, and only 0.2% of homes have been subject to price cuts. These factors suggest that property values are relatively stable and that acquiring a property in this area could be a sound investment, assuming the buyer has the necessary capital.
Tenant demand in ZIP 81652 is moderate. With a total population of 6,271, the renter share is 17.2%. This means that approximately 1,079 individuals are potential renters. While this number may seem limited, it is sufficient to sustain a rental market, especially if the properties cater to specific needs or preferences.
In conclusion, while the rent math presents a challenge due to the gap between the FMR and market rent, the stability in property values makes acquisitions feasible for those with adequate resources. Tenant demand is present but not overwhelming, indicating a balanced market where careful selection and management of rental properties can yield positive returns. Landlords should focus on maintaining competitive rental rates and offering attractive amenities to attract tenants 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.