Location: Uintah County, UT | Metro: Uintah County, UT
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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $246,537 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $1,360 | $321,498 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $392,848 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $1,972 | $486,043 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 84078, located in Vernal, Utah, within Uintah County, reveals a rental market that is slightly above the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Fair Market Rent (FMR). For fiscal year 2026, the FHA has set the FMR for the Vernal, UT metro area at $1,020. In contrast, the actual market rent, measured by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $1,437.
This disparity means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will experience marginal cash flow at the FMR rate. To achieve positive cash flow, they must either offer units that command a premium over the average market rent or manage costs effectively. Given the median home value in the area is $351,183, the rent-to-price ratio indicates that the housing market is somewhat balanced, but leans towards being more expensive when compared to the FMR.
In terms of days on market (DOM) and price-cut shares, the data shows a median DOM of N/A and a price-cut share of 0.2%. This suggests that while there isn't enough data to determine the exact DOM, the low price-cut share implies that homes are generally selling close to their asking prices without significant reductions. These factors can be relevant when considering the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics in the region.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 84078 is likely to be stability. The consistent demand for housing, combined with the relatively low price-cut share, points to a stable market where both rents and home values are unlikely to fluctuate dramatically. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking reliable, long-term investments.
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.