Location: Calhoun County, IA | Metro: Calhoun County, IA
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 | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $164,206 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
21.8% of residents in ZIP 50579 are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing. This statistic aligns with the $777 market rent figure derived from Census ACS data, which suggests that rental properties in this area command a specific price point. However, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $980, providing landlords with a benchmark for setting rents that could attract Section 8 participants. The median home value of $144,185 reflects the overall property values in the region, which can be useful for understanding the potential resale value of investment properties.
$61,108 is the median income for ZIP 50579, which is crucial for assessing the financial capacity of potential tenants. While the data does not provide specific days on market (DOM) or percentage of price-cut share, these figures are typically indicative of the ease or difficulty of renting out properties. Given the discrepancy between the market rent and the FMR, landlords have an opportunity to adjust their pricing strategies to better align with government subsidies, thereby ensuring a steady stream of income.
The lack of specific data on DOM and price-cut share does not necessarily imply poor performance but rather a need for further investigation into local real estate trends. For instance, if the market rent is consistently below the FMR, it could indicate that there is room for landlords to increase their rents without deterring Section 8 tenants. Conversely, if the median income is significantly lower than both the market rent and FMR, it might suggest challenges in attracting financially stable tenants.
In conclusion, for ZIP 50579, the alignment of the $777 market rent with the $980 FMR presents a viable scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in participating in the Section 8 program. The median home value of $144,185 and median income of $61,108 offer additional context regarding the economic landscape. Based on the available data, participation in the Section 8 program appears to be a sound strategy for maintaining occupancy rates and securing predictable rental income.
Verdict: Section 8 participation is recommended for ZIP 50579.
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.