Location: Cedar County, IA | Metro: Jones County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $166,710 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $218,217 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,260 | $230,810 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 52216, Clarence, Iowa, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $890. This figure represents the payment standard that landlords can expect to receive from the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8. It's important to note that this is not the amount tenants will pay in rent; it's the maximum subsidy payment that the government will cover.
In comparison, the average rent for the area is $870 according to the latest Census American Community Survey data. This suggests that the FMR is slightly above the local average, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to ensure a stable income source.
The renter share in Clarence, Iowa, is 30.4%, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. This percentage shows that nearly one-third of the households in the area are renters, providing a reasonable market for those interested in offering Section 8 rentals.
If you're considering purchasing a property for your first Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is approximately $195,708. This gives you an idea of the acquisition cost you might face when buying a property in this ZIP code.
Before proceeding, one critical factor to verify is whether the property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the Section 8 program. These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet these requirements can result in disqualification from the program.
To summarize, the FMR of $890 provides a benchmark for potential subsidies, slightly exceeding the local average rent of $870. With a renter share of 30.4%, there is a steady demand for rental properties. The median home value of $195,708 gives insight into the investment required. However, the most crucial step is ensuring your property complies with the HQS to avoid any issues once you've committed to the program.
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.