Location: Steuben County, IN | Metro: DeKalb County, IN
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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $186,401 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $242,035 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $315,577 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 46793 is part of Waterloo, Indiana, a neighborhood characterized by a relatively small population of 4,104 residents. The area has a low rental rate, with only 10.1% of households being renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied community. The median household income stands at $79,949, reflecting a middle-class neighborhood where residents have disposable income beyond basic needs. Median home values in the area are set at $250,605, suggesting a stable housing market with homes that are moderately priced.
Turning to the economic landscape for rental properties, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is projected at $960. However, the current market rent, according to the Census ACS, is $846. This gap between the FMR and the actual market rent can be advantageous for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, as it allows them to potentially charge higher rents without overpricing their units relative to the market.
Given these dynamics, ZIP 46793 could suit both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the relatively high FMR compared to market rent means they can likely find profitability without extensive property management efforts. Meanwhile, value-add buyers might see opportunities to improve properties and charge closer to the FMR, leveraging the existing demand for affordable housing and the supportive income levels of the local population.
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.