Location: Clayton County, IA | Metro: Allamakee 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $260,071 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 52156 presents a dynamic landscape that suggests an equilibrium between supply and demand, albeit with subtle indications favoring one over the other under certain conditions. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,150 for the fiscal year 2026, provides a benchmark for rental pricing. Currently, the market rent stands at $922, according to the latest Census ACS data. This gap between the FMR and actual market rent points towards a scenario where demand might be slightly lagging behind supply, but it also leaves room for potential growth in rental rates as the market adjusts to meet the FMR.
The median home value of $307,121 offers insight into the overall economic health and stability of the housing market in ZIP 52156. While this figure alone does not indicate whether supply is outpacing demand or vice versa, it can suggest that homeownership is accessible to a broad range of individuals, potentially limiting the number of renters in the area. However, with only 11.4% of the population being renters, it becomes evident that there is a significant preference for homeownership in this region. This low renter share could imply that long-term housing pressures are relatively mild, as fewer residents are competing for rental properties. Nevertheless, it also indicates that the rental market could be highly sensitive to changes in the economy or demographics, as any shift that encourages renting over buying would likely increase the demand for rentals.
The lack of specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) for rental listings means we cannot definitively state the current balance between supply and demand. However, the existing data points to a market where rental prices have room to grow to reach the FMR, suggesting a slight surplus of supply. This situation could change rapidly if factors such as job growth, migration, or changes in mortgage interest rates alter the balance between renting and owning.
In summary, ZIP 52156 appears to be a stable market with a strong bias toward homeownership. The rental market, while currently underserved relative to the FMR, has potential for upward movement in pricing. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should monitor broader economic trends and local housing developments closely to capitalize on these dynamics.
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.