Location: Navajo County, AZ | Metro: Flagstaff, AZ MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,691 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,255 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,418 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 86054, located in Apache County, Arizona, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a total population of 1,467 residents, it has a relatively low percentage of renters at 24.6%. The median income in this area is reported at $24,063, which is significantly below the national average. Notably, the median home value is listed as N/A, indicating that there might be limited data available on homeownership in this region.
Moving to the specifics of Section 8 housing assistance, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 86054 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,860. This figure is substantially higher than the local market rent, which is estimated at $725 based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. The disparity between the FMR and the market rent suggests that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect higher rental income compared to the typical local rates. This could be an attractive proposition for landlords looking to maximize their returns while providing affordable housing options to low-income tenants.
From an investment standpoint, the data signature for ZIP 86054 reads as stable. Despite the lower median income and limited data on home values, the significant gap between the FMR and the actual market rent indicates a consistent demand for subsidized housing. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the potential benefits of participating in the Section 8 program, particularly if they are interested in serving a community that heavily relies on rental subsidies to afford housing. The voucher economics favor landlords willing to engage with the program, offering a reliable source of income above the prevailing market rates.
To summarize, the combination of a modest rental population, low median income, and high FMR relative to market rates makes ZIP 86054 a unique opportunity for those familiar with the Section 8 program. The stable nature of the data signature suggests that investments in this area, especially through the lens of subsidized housing, could be a sound strategy for generating steady income.
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.