Location: Allamakee County, IA | Metro: Allamakee County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 52170, located in Allamakee County, Iowa, presents a unique investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $960 for the fiscal year 2026. However, due to limited data, the current market rent for the region is not available, which makes direct comparison challenging.
To determine how well voucher tenants can cashflow at the FMR, we must consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $298,976. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. Assuming a typical mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), and considering the average monthly mortgage payment based on the median home value, the FMR of $960 would likely cover a significant portion but not all of these costs. This suggests that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the FMR, requiring landlords to seek out premium units or additional income sources to fully cover expenses.
The lack of specific data on the number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts indicates that the local real estate market may be stable, with fewer fluctuations in pricing and demand. This stability can be advantageous for investors looking to avoid frequent price adjustments and maintain consistent rental income.
In conclusion, while the HUD FMR of $960 will provide some positive cashflow for landlords in ZIP 52170, it is likely to be marginal without optimizing unit selection or diversifying income streams. The strongest investor angle in this market is stability, given the absence of significant market volatility and the potential for steady returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.