Location: Lincoln County, NM | Metro: Lincoln County, NM
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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $587,204 | 0.23% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 88312 is characterized by a strong tenant presence and competitive rental pricing, suggesting that demand may be outpacing supply. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,000 for fiscal year 2026, the actual market rent stands higher at $1,328, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This indicates that landlords can charge above the government benchmark, a sign of robust tenant interest.
The relatively low 0.1% price-cut share signals that landlords are not frequently having to reduce rents to attract tenants, further supporting the notion that demand is high. While the days on market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, the median home value of $568,505 suggests a stable housing market with significant investment value.
A 5.1% renter share might initially seem low, but it actually points to a dynamic where there is considerable long-term housing pressure. In areas where homeownership is the dominant tenure type, any increase in the renter population can put upward pressure on rents due to limited housing stock available for leasing. This could indicate that some residents are finding it challenging to afford homeownership, thus opting to rent instead, which in turn supports the rental market's strength.
In summary, the data paints a picture of a market where demand for rentals is strong, supported by higher-than-FMR market rents and a low price-cut share. The median home value suggests stability in property values, while the modest renter share implies ongoing pressure on the rental sector as potential homeowners remain priced out of the market.
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.