Location: Los Alamos County, NM | Metro: Albuquerque, NM 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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,420 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,110 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,608 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,041 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,364 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,582 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,860 | $381,729 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $2,220 | $562,409 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $3,110 | $711,471 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $3,608 | $804,826 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The dynamics of ZIP 87544, centered around Los Alamos, NM, reveal a market in motion, characterized by distinct pressures and trends. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1,480 for fiscal year 2024, significantly lower than the market rent, which is measured at $2,675 (ZORI). This disparity suggests that there is a higher demand for rental properties compared to what is currently subsidized, indicating a potential gap in affordable housing options.
A 0.1% price-cut share highlights that landlords and property owners are rarely having to reduce their asking prices to attract tenants. This low percentage points towards a robust rental market where the offered rents align closely with tenant expectations or willingness to pay. In contrast, the median home value of $579,117 may indicate a more balanced market for homeownership, neither experiencing significant upward nor downward pressure on property values.
The 32.9% renter share in ZIP 87544 signals a notable segment of the population choosing or needing to rent rather than buy. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this statistic implies consistent long-term housing pressure due to the substantial number of renters. It also suggests that rental properties could continue to be a stable investment, given the ongoing need for rental housing.
In summary, the market in ZIP 87544 appears to be one where demand for rental properties is strong, potentially outpacing the supply of affordable housing. Landlords can expect steady interest in their properties without the necessity to frequently adjust rental rates. Investors should consider the high renter share as an indicator of sustained demand, making the rental market a reliable sector for investment in this area.
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.