Location: Shelby County, IA | Metro: Shelby 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 | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,415 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,712 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4BR | $1,220 | $246,171 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 51530, located in Shelby County, IA metro, reveals a competitive yet manageable environment for cash flow. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $920 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the market rent of $837 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR level, providing a positive margin for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $240,282. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio. With a monthly rent of $837, the annual rent would be approximately $10,044. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 4.2%. This ratio suggests that rental income is relatively low compared to the property values, but still provides a reasonable return for investors.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price-cut share do not provide specific figures for ZIP 51530, indicating that these metrics are either not available or not significant enough to influence the decision between renting and buying. However, given the positive cash flow from voucher tenants and the stable median home value, the primary focus should be on the cash flow aspect rather than speculative appreciation.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 51530 is cash flow. Landlords can expect a consistent positive cash flow from voucher tenants, making it an attractive option for those looking to generate steady income from their investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.