Location: Hawaii County, HI | Metro: Hawaii County, HI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,630 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,640 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,898 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,210 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,421 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 96710 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, especially when comparing the non-disclosed market rent to the $2,280 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026, which is typically higher in metro areas. This discrepancy can lead to increased churn rates as tenants seek more affordable housing options outside the program.
Vacancy exposure is another issue due to the lack of data on the days on market (DOM), indicating that properties might stay vacant longer than anticipated. This uncertainty can negatively impact cash flow and overall profitability, as landlords must cover expenses during these periods without rental income.
Deferred maintenance is a critical risk factor, given the typical home value of $951,967 and the non-disclosed median income. The cost of maintaining and repairing homes to meet Section 8 standards can be substantial, particularly when the median income is unknown, making it difficult to assess the financial capacity of residents to contribute to such costs.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the fact that 6.3% of the population are renters. High renter density often correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and reduce vacancy exposure. Despite this positive indicator, the absence of key financial metrics—such as median income—leaves considerable uncertainty regarding the financial health of potential tenants and their ability to keep up with rent payments and maintenance contributions.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.