Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52042 - 2027

Location: Delaware County, IA | Metro: Clayton County, IA

Investment Score for ZIP 52042

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,050

Median Price (2BR)

$205,556

1% Rule

0.51%

Annual Yield

6.13%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$780
1 Bedroom	$880
2 Bedrooms	$1,050
3 Bedrooms	$1,300
4 Bedrooms	$1,650
5 Bedrooms	$1,914
6 Bedrooms	$2,144
7 Bedrooms	$2,316
8 Bedrooms	$2,432

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,050	$205,556	0.51%	F
3BR	$1,300	$254,490	0.51%	F
4BR	$1,650	$313,567	0.53%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,804

Median Household Income

$95,833

Housing Units

735

Renter Percentage

18.7%

Occupancy Rate

89.0%

Renter Occupied

122

ZIP code 52042 in Delaware County, IA, presents a unique position within the local real estate market. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 stands at $940, while the average market rent is higher at $1,085. The median home value in this ZIP is $291,256, and it has an 18.7% renter share.

To understand how ZIP 52042 compares to other areas in Delaware County, consider the following:

The FMR of $940 is lower than the market rent of $1,085, indicating that properties in this ZIP might be more affordable for renters receiving Section 8 assistance.
The median home value of $291,256 suggests that it is neither the most expensive nor the least expensive area within the county. This places it somewhere in the middle of the housing price spectrum.
The 18.7% renter share is significant and could imply a concentration of rental properties or tenants who prefer renting over owning.

Based on these figures, ZIP 52042 appears to be a value pocket within its metro. The gap between the FMR and the market rent indicates potential opportunities for landlords to offer affordable housing options while still achieving competitive rental rates. Additionally, the relatively high renter share combined with below-market home values can be a favorable signal for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on the demand for rental properties.

Investors should take note of these characteristics when considering investment opportunities in ZIP 52042. It offers a blend of affordability and market competitiveness, making it a strategic choice for those interested in the Section 8 program or the broader rental market in Delaware County.

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.