Location: Winneshiek County, IA | Metro: Winneshiek 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,360 | $189,009 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 52168 in Winneshiek County, Iowa, reveals several key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably here. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040. However, the current market rent based on Census ACS data stands at only $870. This discrepancy means that landlords might struggle to cover costs if they align their rental prices with the current market rate, especially considering the higher FMR benchmark.
Acquisition is relatively affordable given the median home value of $172,163. Unfortunately, the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts makes it challenging to provide a detailed assessment of how quickly properties sell and at what discount. Nonetheless, the low median home value suggests that purchasing properties could be within reach for many investors looking to enter this market.
Tenant demand is moderate. With a total population of 356, the renter share is 35.0%. This indicates that approximately 125 individuals in the ZIP code are potential renters. While this number is not large, it does represent a significant portion of the local population, which could sustain a modest rental property portfolio.
Verdict: ZIP 52168 presents a mixed picture for investment. The primary challenge lies in the unfavorable rent math due to the gap between FMR and market rent. Acquisition costs are reasonable, but without data on DOM and price-cut shares, the ease of selling properties remains unclear. Tenant demand is present but limited by the small overall population size. For investors willing to navigate these challenges, there may still be opportunities, but they should proceed with caution and careful planning.
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.