Location: Marion County, IA | Metro: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
970 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 50252 as of fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum amount Section 8 participants can pay for rental housing in this area. Despite this figure, 0.0% represents the share of renters in the area, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median home value in ZIP 50252 stands at $312,533, which is significantly higher than the median income of $112,292, pointing to a gap between housing costs and residents' earning capacity. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut implies a stable market with little fluctuation in pricing or sales velocity. This stability, combined with the low renter share, suggests that landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully consider the demand for rental properties before investing. Given the high median home values relative to the median income, it's crucial to ensure that any rental property complies strictly with Section 8 requirements to avoid complications. In conclusion, while the FMR at $970 provides a guideline for potential rental income, the limited rental market presence and the mismatch between home values and incomes make ZIP 50252 a challenging but potentially rewarding area for Section 8 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.