Location: Marshall County, IA | Metro: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 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 50621, located in Grundy County and Marshall County, IA metro, reveals several key points regarding the financial viability of renting to voucher tenants. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $860, while the Census ACS reports a market rent of $840. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally, given the slight premium of the FMR over the market rent.
To further assess the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $221,216. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.47%, suggesting that rental income is relatively low compared to the property values. However, this ratio does not necessarily indicate poor investment opportunities, as it can reflect stable housing markets where appreciation is gradual rather than rapid.
The dynamics between days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, but these metrics would be crucial for understanding the rent-versus-buy scenario. In the absence of such data, the focus remains on the cashflow potential and the stability of the rental market. Given the marginal cashflow and the stable median home value, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 50621 is likely stability, as it provides a reliable and predictable income stream without significant risk of vacancy or price fluctuations.
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.