Location: Clayton County, IA | Metro: Clayton 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $155,334 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $194,076 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $260,930 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
16.8% of renters in ZIP code 52043, Iowa, will be directly impacted by the Federal Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,000 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026. This figure is crucial for landlords as it represents the maximum amount the government will pay for housing assistance under the Section 8 program. Comparatively, the market rent as per Census ACS data stands at $856, indicating that landlords participating in Section 8 can expect slightly higher rents than the local average. The median home value in the area is $256,879, which suggests a moderate property investment environment. However, with a median income of $76,705, affordability might become an issue for some tenants, especially considering the gap between market rent and the higher Section 8 rates. The data does not provide days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price-cut shares, which could indicate either a stable rental market or a lack of comprehensive data. Despite these gaps, the consistent trend towards higher government-assisted rents versus market rates makes Section 8 participation a viable strategy for landlords aiming to secure steady income streams. Given the figures, landlords in ZIP 52043 should consider leveraging the Section 8 program to ensure occupancy and mitigate risks associated with tenant defaults.
Section 8 Verdict: Landlords in ZIP 52043 can benefit from the program's higher rent ceilings, particularly in a market where the median income is lower than the median home value, ensuring a stable source of income.
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.