Location: Adair County, IA | Metro: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 50858, located in Adair County, Iowa, reveals a clear opportunity for positive cash flow when compared to the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $980. The Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that the market rent in this area is $1,347, which means that landlords can expect to earn a substantial profit above the FMR when renting to voucher tenants.
To determine the extent of cash flow, let's examine the numbers closely. At an FMR of $980, voucher tenants will provide a significant cash flow to landlords who can rent their properties for the market rate of $1,347. This difference of $367 per month translates into a robust financial gain, making it highly favorable for Section 8 investors in this region.
The median home value in ZIP 50858 is currently not available, but this does not significantly impact the analysis. Given the absence of a median home value, we cannot derive a precise rent-to-price ratio. However, the lack of data on home values suggests that the rental market is likely more active than the home buying market, further reinforcing the attractiveness of rental investments.
The days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are also not available, which typically indicates a stable rental market. Without these metrics, we can infer that the rental market is steady, and the risk of price adjustments due to unsold inventory is minimal.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 50858 is cash flow. With a market rent well above the HUD FMR, landlords can expect to see consistent and substantial monthly profits from voucher tenants. This makes the area particularly appealing for those looking to generate immediate income from their investment properties.
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.