Location: Kauai County, HI | Metro: Kauai County, HI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,590 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,329 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,026 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,227 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 96747, located in Kauai County, HI, presents a unique opportunity for real-estate investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,930 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the average market rent of $972 based on Census ACS data.
This substantial gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent means that landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect positive cash flow when accepting Section 8 vouchers. Voucher tenants will cover rents at the FMR level, allowing property owners to generate income above typical market rates.
Despite the high FMR, it's important to note that the median home value in the area is listed as N/A, indicating a lack of comprehensive data for this metric. However, we can infer that the rent-to-price ratio is favorable due to the elevated FMR compared to the lower market rents. This suggests that rental income could be more stable and reliable than potential gains from property appreciation in this region.
The median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts before selling are both listed as N/A. While these figures would typically provide insight into the rent-versus-buy dynamics, their absence does not diminish the attractiveness of the rental market for Section 8 investors. The primary focus should remain on the strong cash flow potential given the disparity between FMR and current market rents.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 96747 is undoubtedly the cash flow potential, as properties leased to voucher holders can command rents well above the local market average, ensuring a steady and significant income stream.
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.