Location: Whitley County, KY | Metro: Knox County, KY
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 | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $910 | $125,038 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,140 | $172,723 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 40759, located in Rockholds, KY, is part of the Whitley County, KY metro area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $870, which is higher than the market rent figure of $737. This indicates that while government-assisted tenants might be able to afford slightly more, the actual rental market is priced lower. The median home value in 40759 stands at $138,146, which is notably below the typical home values in other ZIP codes within Whitley County.
The renter share in 40759 is 32.7%, which is higher than the average renter share seen in most ZIP codes within Whitley County. This high percentage of renters combined with the below-average home value suggests that 40759 could be considered a value pocket within its metro. Value pockets are areas where properties are relatively affordable compared to surrounding regions, making them attractive for both investors and tenants looking for cost-effective housing solutions.
A key indicator for potential Section 8 opportunities is the discrepancy between FMR and market rent, alongside a significant renter share. In 40759, the FMR being above the market rent, coupled with a substantial 32.7% renter share, points towards an environment conducive to Section 8 tenancy. Landlords can leverage this by offering rentals at or near the market rate but still within the FMR guidelines, thereby attracting government-assisted tenants without setting prices artificially high.
In summary, ZIP code 40759 represents a value pocket within the Whitley County, KY metro. It offers below-average home values and a higher-than-average renter share, making it an ideal location for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 properties. The difference between the FMR and the market rent provides a strategic pricing window that benefits both investors and tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.