Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52053 - 2027

Location: Clayton County, IA | Metro: Dubuque, IA MSA

Investment Score for ZIP 52053

N/A

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$970

Median Price (2BR)

$N/A

1% Rule

Annual Yield

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	$700
1 Bedroom	$760
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,310
4 Bedrooms	$1,630
5 Bedrooms	$1,891
6 Bedrooms	$2,118
7 Bedrooms	$2,287
8 Bedrooms	$2,401

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
3BR	$1,310	$329,211	0.4%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,148

Median Household Income

$83,000

Housing Units

462

Renter Percentage

21.4%

Occupancy Rate

100.0%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 52053, located in Iowa, is characterized by a stable housing market with a mix of homeowners and renters. This area offers a blend of affordability and comfort, making it attractive for both living and investment purposes.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52053 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $860, indicating the maximum amount HUD will pay for low-income tenants to live in this area.
The market rent for the area, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $682, which is below the FMR, suggesting that rental properties can be priced competitively without exceeding typical tenant budgets.
The median home value in ZIP 52053 stands at $325,144, reflecting a middle-class neighborhood where homes are accessible to a broad range of buyers.
Renters make up 21.4% of the population, showing a significant but not overwhelming demand for rental properties, which could be beneficial for maintaining steady occupancy rates.
The median income in the area is $83,000, providing insight into the financial stability of residents and their ability to afford higher rents or mortgage payments.

For investors, the data points to a balanced market with opportunities in both rental and homeownership sectors. The discrepancy between the market rent and FMR suggests potential for modest price increases in rental properties without alienating tenants. The median home value indicates a moderate cost for acquiring property, while the median income supports the feasibility of renting or selling homes at competitive prices. The relatively low percentage of renters compared to homeowners ensures a steady demand for both types of real estate investments, making ZIP 52053 a viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking stable returns.

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.