Location: Jackson County, IA | Metro: Dubuque, IA MSA
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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $400,283 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP 52079 presents a nuanced picture that both landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider carefully. The median home value stands at $383,091, indicating a stable housing market with no significant volatility. While the percentage of listings reduced and the median days on market (DOM) are currently not available, their absence can be interpreted as a sign of steady market conditions, where neither sellers nor buyers are under extreme pressure to transact quickly or accept lower offers.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52079 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This figure contrasts with the actual market rent, which according to Census ACS data, is approximately $950. This suggests that there is a slight premium in the local rental market compared to government guidelines, which could indicate strong demand or a landlord's ability to charge above the FMR due to local economic conditions or housing shortages.
The setup implied by these figures is one where landlords have some pricing power, especially if they can maintain rents near the current market level. However, the gap between the FMR and market rent is modest, suggesting that there might be limits to how much further rents can rise without risking vacancy rates. For small-portfolio investors looking to hold properties for the long term, the appreciation thesis is somewhat constrained. The median home value, while solid, does not show signs of rapid growth that would support aggressive price increases. Instead, appreciation is likely to follow historical trends, with modest gains over time rather than speculative bubbles.
In conclusion, the current data points to a balanced market where both homeowners and renters enjoy relative stability. Landlords can leverage their pricing power to maintain or slightly increase rents but must be cautious not to exceed the local market's tolerance. Long-term investors should focus on steady cash flows and conservative appreciation expectations rather than short-term speculative gains.
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.