Location: Sac County, IA | Metro: Calhoun County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
51.5% of residents in ZIP 51433 are renters, indicating a strong demand for rental properties. This high percentage aligns with the $173,366 median home value, suggesting that a significant portion of the population may find homeownership challenging and prefer renting. The $980 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 provides a benchmark for rental pricing, ensuring that landlords can set competitive rates that comply with HUD guidelines. Meanwhile, the $774 market rent figure from the Census ACS reflects the actual average rent paid by tenants in the area, which is lower than the FMR, highlighting a potential opportunity for landlords to adjust their pricing slightly upwards without alienating tenants.
$68,125 represents the median income in ZIP 51433, which is crucial for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants. Given this income level, the $774 market rent indicates that the average tenant spends approximately 11.4% of their income on rent, a figure that is generally considered affordable but leaves little room for additional expenses such as utilities or maintenance fees. Landlords should consider these factors when setting rents to ensure they remain attractive to the local market while also covering operational costs.
The lack of data for days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut share suggests a stable rental market where properties are typically occupied without prolonged vacancies or significant discounts. This stability is beneficial for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for consistent cash flow and minimal management challenges.
In conclusion, ZIP 51433 presents a viable investment opportunity for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. The high renter share, combined with the relatively low market rent compared to the FMR, offers a balanced environment where compliance with HUD standards can still attract financially capable tenants. The median income supports affordability at current market rates, making it likely that most tenants will be able to meet their obligations without undue strain. Therefore, the verdict on Section 8 investments in ZIP 51433 is positive, with a solid foundation for successful property management and financial returns.
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.