Location: Albany County, WY | Metro: Albany County, WY
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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $810 | $195,145 | 0.42% | F |
| 2BR | $1,000 | $267,636 | 0.37% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $357,502 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $1,670 | $414,037 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $1,937 | $547,496 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP 82072 under the Section 8 program are significant. First, tenant turnover poses a notable challenge. Market rents stand at $1,159, whereas the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $960 for FY 2026. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants seek subsidies that do not fully cover the market rate, resulting in financial instability for landlords.
Vacancy exposure is another critical concern. The Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, which suggests a lack of comprehensive tracking of rental listings. This absence of information makes it difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant, increasing the risk of financial loss due to unoccupied units.
Deferred maintenance is also a significant issue. With a typical home value of $363,842 and a median income of $53,863, many residents may struggle to afford necessary repairs and upkeep. This situation could lead to higher maintenance costs for landlords, especially when dealing with tenants who receive rental assistance and have limited funds for such expenses.
However, these risks must be weighed against the substantial number of renters in the area. The renter share stands at 58.9%, indicating a high concentration of potential voucher holders. A dense population of renters typically translates into greater demand for subsidized housing, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income through the Section 8 program.
In conclusion, the risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 82072 is moderate. While there are challenges related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density offers some mitigation against these risks.
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.