Location: Winneshiek County, IA | Metro: Chickasaw 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,680 | $279,815 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $1,680 | $366,981 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 52144 in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,320. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive; it's the payment standard that HUD uses to determine the maximum rental subsidy for tenants.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for ZIP code 52144, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $1,083. This means that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
Renters make up 13.2% of the population in ZIP 52144. This indicates a steady demand for rental properties, particularly those that cater to low-income families who might rely on Section 8 vouchers. With a significant portion of the population renting, there is a good chance that your property will be occupied.
The median home value in ZIP 52144 is $315,117. This figure can help you gauge the potential acquisition cost if you're looking to purchase a property for your Section 8 rental portfolio. Keep in mind that the median home value reflects the entire housing stock, including owner-occupied homes, so the price of a rental property might differ.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, one key factor to verify is the condition of the property. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD must be met for the property to be eligible for the program. Ensuring your property complies with these standards will prevent delays and ensure that you can start receiving rental payments promptly.
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.