Location: Graham County, AZ | Metro: Graham County, AZ
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
39.6% of residents in ZIP code 85551 are renters, highlighting a significant portion of the population that could benefit from Section 8 housing. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,200, which represents the maximum allowable rent for a Section 8 voucher holder. In contrast, the market rent based on Census ACS data is $697, indicating that properties priced below the FMR can still offer competitive returns while being affordable for voucher holders. The median income of $76,083 suggests that the local economy supports a diverse range of tenants, including those who qualify for Section 8 assistance. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares means there's limited insight into the speed and flexibility of the rental market adjustments. This gap could be crucial for landlords looking to understand how quickly they might need to adjust their pricing to attract tenants. Despite these limitations, the disparity between the FMR and the market rent indicates a favorable environment for landlords who are willing to participate in the Section 8 program, ensuring stable occupancy and predictable cash flows.
The current landscape in ZIP 85551 shows that landlords can leverage the Section 8 program to maintain a steady stream of income without necessarily compromising on profitability. With a majority of residents already renting, and the FMR significantly higher than the actual market rent, the opportunity exists to provide affordable housing solutions while also managing financial expectations. The high percentage of renters in the area also points towards a robust demand for rental properties, which can be met through the Section 8 program. Given the median income figure, it's clear that many households in the area would benefit from the lower rents offered under the program, making it an attractive option for both tenants and landlords alike.
Section 8 Verdict: Favorable for landlords willing to engage with the program, offering stable occupancy and manageable returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.