Location: Hawaii County, HI | Metro: Hawaii 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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,831 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,023 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,890 | $309,379 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $2,380 | $415,876 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,870 for ZIP 96760 in Kurtistown, HI, landlords can expect to receive this amount as the maximum rental assistance payment for Section 8 tenants in the fiscal year 2026. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) reports the actual market rent at $1,544, indicating a potential profit margin when participating in the program. At a median home value of $358,273, the real estate market in Kurtistown is relatively stable, providing a solid foundation for investment properties. However, only 17.8% of the population are renters, which suggests a smaller pool of potential Section 8 tenants compared to areas with higher renter shares. Despite this, the median income of $103,286 is quite robust, potentially allowing for higher tenant contributions towards rent. The lack of available data on days on market (DOM) implies a steady demand for housing, without significant fluctuations. Moreover, the price-cut share stands at an impressively low 0.2%, reflecting a strong seller's market where homes rarely need to be discounted. Given these factors, particularly the favorable FMR compared to the market rent, Kurtistown presents a viable opportunity for landlords interested in the Section 8 program.
The verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP 96760 is positive, with the potential for landlords to benefit from a stable rental market and a fair margin between the FMR and market rent.
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.