Location: Russell County, KY | Metro: Adair 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 | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,427 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,726 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,812 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,110 | $185,809 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 42528, located within the Russell County, KY metro, presents a unique scenario when compared against typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $920, which represents the benchmark for affordable housing. However, ZIP 42528 has a market rent of $600, significantly lower than the FMR, indicating that it could be considered a value pocket within the metro.
The home value in ZIP 42528 stands at $159,134, which is likely below the average for the metro area. This suggests that property owners in this ZIP might benefit from a lower cost basis relative to other areas within Russell County, making it potentially attractive for investment. With a 24.1% renter share, this ZIP also shows a notable divergence from what might be expected in a typical ZIP code within the county, where the renter share could be much lower.
The combination of below-average market rents and a higher-than-average renter share points towards an area that could be particularly appealing for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. Such characteristics often signal a sweet spot for properties eligible under the Section 8 program, as they offer both affordability and a demand-driven rental market.
To further contextualize the data, a comparative analysis with other ZIP codes within Russell County would reveal if this trend is consistent across multiple indicators. For instance, if the overall trend shows lower home values coupled with higher renter shares, then ZIP 42528 would be part of a broader pattern indicative of a value pocket within the metro.
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.