Location: Clinton County, IA | Metro: Clinton 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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,834 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,976 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,210 | $125,466 | 0.96% | C |
| 3BR | $1,550 | $201,361 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
32.6% of residents in ZIP code 52254, Lost Nation, IA, are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220, which is slightly above the $1,188 average market rent reported by the Census ACS. This suggests that landlords can potentially charge close to the FMR without being significantly overpriced compared to the local market. The median home value stands at $154,657, providing a stable base for property investments. However, the median income of $64,375 highlights the importance of maintaining competitive rents to attract tenants who qualify for assistance programs. Given the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, it's challenging to assess how quickly properties are selling and whether there's a need for frequent price adjustments. Despite these gaps, the alignment between the FMR and market rent, combined with a substantial renter population, makes ZIP 52254 a viable location for Section 8 investments. Landlords should ensure their units meet the necessary standards and are priced appropriately to benefit from this program. In conclusion, with the right strategy, the potential for positive returns through Section 8 participation in Lost Nation, IA, is strong.
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.