Location: Kauai County, HI | Metro: Kauai County, HI
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 | $1,890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,037 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,883 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,127 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,490 | $737,078 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $3,060 | $738,020 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $3,480 | $820,504 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
34.0% of residents in ZIP 96752 (, HI) are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties in the area. The $757,877 median home value suggests a robust real estate market, but for those focused on rentals, the $2,339 market rent (Census ACS) is a key figure. This represents the average cost tenants are paying for their homes, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,760 set for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. Landlords can leverage this gap to offer competitive rents while still maintaining profitability.
$90,174 is the median income for the area, which provides insight into the financial capabilities of potential tenants. Given the $2,760 FMR, it's clear that many households would struggle to afford market-rate housing without assistance. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts indicates that the rental market in ZIP 96752 is relatively stable, without frequent fluctuations or prolonged vacancy periods.
The disparity between the market rent and the FMR points to an opportunity for landlords who can secure Section 8 vouchers. With the FMR being significantly higher at $2,760 compared to the market rent of $2,339, there is room for landlords to accept vouchers and still achieve a favorable rent-to-income ratio. This stability, combined with the high median home value, makes ZIP 96752 an attractive investment location for those interested in long-term rental income.
In conclusion, given the 34.0% renter share and the substantial difference between the market rent and the FMR, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider participating in the Section 8 program to capitalize on the steady demand for affordable housing in ZIP 96752 (, HI).
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.