Location: Hawaii County, HI | Metro: Hawaii County, HI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,610 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,376 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,781 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,083 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 96774, located within the Hawaii County, HI metro area, has a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,080 for fiscal year 2026. This figure is critical for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the area. However, the lack of specific market rent and home value data for ZIP 96774 limits a direct comparison to other typical ZIP codes within the same county.
The 15.3% renter share in ZIP 96774 is an important indicator. Generally, a higher percentage of renters can signal a greater demand for affordable housing options, which could make it an attractive location for Section 8 properties. In the context of Hawaii County, HI, where rental markets are known to be competitive due to high living costs, a ZIP with a significant renter population but unknown market rent and home value metrics might suggest a unique niche within the broader real estate landscape.
To determine whether ZIP 96774 represents a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, we must infer based on the limited data available. The FMR of $2,080 aligns closely with the overall affordability trends in Hawaii County, HI, where rents tend to be high. Given that the market rent and home value data are not provided, it's reasonable to consider 96774 as potentially offering a balance between accessibility and cost-effectiveness for low-income renters, making it a candidate for a value pocket within the metro area.
A value pocket typically means that while rents may be higher compared to mainland areas, they are still relatively lower within the local context, attracting a significant number of renters who rely on government assistance programs such as Section 8. This inference is supported by the high renter share in 96774, which often indicates a concentration of tenants who benefit from subsidized housing. Such conditions can create favorable investment opportunities for those willing to navigate the intricacies of the Section 8 program.
In conclusion, ZIP 96774 appears to be a value pocket within the Hawaii County, HI metro area, characterized by a moderate FMR and a notable renter share. This combination suggests a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investments, especially if the actual market rents and home values are indeed lower than the county average, though this remains unverified without additional data.
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.