Location: Adair County, IA | Metro: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $212,104 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $287,142 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $402,926 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $2,007 | $512,325 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 50273, Winterset, Iowa, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,050. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you'll receive; it's the ceiling for rent payments covered by the housing assistance program.
In comparison, the average rent in Winterset, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $1,142. This indicates that the market rent slightly exceeds the FMR, meaning you might need to adjust your expectations if you plan on renting out a property through Section 8. However, the difference is relatively minor, and the demand for rental properties in this area is substantial, with 25.1% of the population being renters.
The demand for rentals is a positive sign for potential landlords. With nearly one-quarter of the residents looking for rental accommodations, there is a steady pool of tenants who could benefit from Section 8 assistance. This can provide a reliable source of income, even though the rent is capped at the FMR.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Winterset is approximately $295,093. This figure gives you an idea of the typical acquisition cost for a home in this area. Given the FMR and the percentage of renters, this investment can be worthwhile, but it's crucial to ensure that the property meets all the necessary requirements for the Section 8 program before making a purchase.
One critical step to verify before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in Winterset is to confirm that the property complies with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe and habitable, which is a prerequisite for acceptance into the program. If your property fails to meet these standards, you will need to make improvements before it can be rented through Section 8.
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.