Location: Humboldt County, IA | Metro: Humboldt County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 50582, located in Humboldt County, IA metro, reveals a favorable environment for cash flow. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $920 for FY 2026, which is notably higher than the Census ACS-reported market rent of $775. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a positive financial outcome for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $105,783. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With a market rent of $775, the annual rent would be $9,300, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 8.79%. This suggests that rental properties are undervalued relative to their purchase price, making them attractive for investors seeking to capitalize on this discrepancy.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this market do not significantly impact the decision-making process due to the lack of data on the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts. However, given the favorable cash flow situation, these metrics are less critical for determining investment viability.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP code 50582 is cash flow. The substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent ensures that landlords can expect steady, positive cash flow from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units. This makes the area particularly appealing for those focused on generating regular income from their investments.
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.