Location: Sac County, IA | Metro: Crawford County, IA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $151,238 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for landlords investing in ZIP code 51448 under the Section 8 program include significant tenant turnover, which is expected due to the disparity between the market rent of $825 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $920 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This difference suggests that tenants might struggle to meet the higher FMR, leading to frequent moves and higher vacancy rates. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is heightened because the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating an unclear trend in how quickly properties are rented out. The deferred maintenance risk is also notable, considering the typical home value stands at $170,971 while the median income is only $76,058. This gap implies that residents may not have sufficient funds to maintain their homes adequately, potentially resulting in higher repair costs for landlords.
However, these risks must be weighed against the substantial 14.4% share of renters in the area. High renter density typically correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a reliable stream of rental income through the Section 8 program. Given the data, the investment in ZIP 51448 presents a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. While there are challenges, particularly around maintenance and turnover, the robust rental market offers a counterbalance that can mitigate some of these issues.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.