Location: Pocahontas County, IA | Metro: Palo Alto County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 50581 in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers in the metro area, meaning it's the maximum amount that the government will pay toward a tenant's rent. However, it does not dictate your rent price; you can set the rent above or below this amount, but the voucher will only cover up to $1,030.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 50581, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $578. This suggests that the FMR is significantly higher than the typical rent in the area, which could be advantageous for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
Renters make up 16.0% of the population in ZIP 50581, indicating a steady demand for rental properties. While this percentage might seem low, it translates into a substantial number of potential tenants, especially given the financial support provided by the Section 8 program. Additionally, the median household income in the area is around $77,194, which can help you assess the potential costs of acquiring a property in this market. Landlords should consider whether they can afford the property purchase or mortgage payments while still operating profitably under the Section 8 payment structure.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental property in ZIP 50581, it is crucial to verify that the property meets all the necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet these standards can result in penalties or loss of participation in the program, so ensuring compliance is key to avoiding issues down the line.
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.