Location: Starke County, IN | Metro: Pulaski County, IN
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 46968, located within Starke County, IN, presents unique characteristics when compared against typical ZIP codes within the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 46968 is set at $960 for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the benchmark used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine eligibility for Section 8 housing assistance.
The lack of available data on market rent and home values for ZIP 46968 makes direct comparisons with other ZIP codes within the county challenging. However, the FMR can be used as an indicator of rental affordability. In the absence of specific market rent data, it's reasonable to infer that the actual rents in 46968 could be lower or around the FMR level, given that the FMR is typically set below the 40th percentile of local market rents.
The 0.0% renter share in ZIP 46968 is notably low, suggesting that very few residents in this area rent their homes. This contrasts sharply with the typical ZIP codes in Starke County, which likely have higher renter shares. A low renter share might imply a strong homeownership preference or a lack of rental units. It does not, however, suggest a Section 8 sweet spot due to the absence of high renter share.
Given the specific figures provided, ZIP 46968 appears to be neither a value pocket nor a premium sub-market within the Starke County, IN metro. Instead, it seems to be a niche market characterized by low rental activity and potentially limited availability of rental properties. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this ZIP code as having a specialized market rather than a broad appeal for rental investments.
Investors looking to capitalize on Section 8 opportunities within Starke County should seek ZIP codes with higher renter shares and more comprehensive data on market rents and home values. These areas would provide clearer indicators of demand and potential returns on investment.
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.