Location: Knox County, IN | Metro: Knox 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $85,987 | 1.17% | B |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $123,876 | 1.08% | B |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $175,304 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 47512, located in Bicknell, IN, Knox County, serves as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the Knox County metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $960, while the current market rent in ZIP 47512 stands at $844. This creates a spread of $116, indicating that landlords can expect to earn slightly above market rates when participating in the Section 8 program. Additionally, the median home value in this ZIP code is $97,988, which is relatively low, making it easier for landlords to acquire properties at a reasonable cost.
The appreciation potential in ZIP 47512 is limited, as evidenced by the lack of significant price increases or decreases. According to recent data, there is no substantial price-cut share or day DOM trend to suggest a rapid increase in property values. Therefore, it cannot be classified as an appreciation play.
ZIP 47512 also offers opportunities for diversification, with a 31.3% renter share and a median income of $57,857. However, the primary role of this ZIP code within a Section 8 portfolio strategy is as a cash-flow anchor. The higher FMR compared to the market rent ensures steady, reliable income, even if the appreciation potential is modest. This stability is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors who seek consistent returns on their investments.
To further support this strategy, consider the following points:
In conclusion, ZIP 47512 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rent, affordable property acquisition costs, and stable rental demand.
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.