Location: Graham County, AZ | Metro: Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ MSA
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $143,419 | 0.79% | D |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $215,296 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $1,900 | $269,283 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 85643, located in Willcox, AZ, has a population of 8,476 individuals, with 33.2% being renters. This indicates that while the majority of residents are homeowners, there is still a significant portion of the community that relies on rental housing. The median household income in this area stands at $57,903, which provides a benchmark for assessing the affordability of housing.
The typical market rent for this area is $957 per month. To put this into perspective, the monthly rent constitutes approximately 16.5% of the median household income when calculated on an annual basis. This ratio is derived from dividing the annual rent ($11,484) by the median household income ($57,903). This suggests that the cost of renting is relatively manageable for most households, but it still represents a considerable expense.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $960 for FY 2024, reveals that the market rent is slightly below the FMR. This means that landlords who charge the market rate are likely to be competitive with government standards, making their properties attractive to tenants who might receive housing vouchers.
Given the demographic and economic factors, landlords in ZIP 85643 can expect a tenant pool that includes a mix of individuals and families who rely on housing vouchers due to the significant percentage of renters and the affordability of typical rents relative to the median income. These tenants will likely be seeking stable housing solutions within their budget constraints. Landlords should prepare for a demand-driven market where vouchers play a role in securing tenancy, especially among those with lower incomes who are looking for affordable housing options.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.