Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52255 - 2027

Location: Clinton County, IA | Metro: Cedar County, IA

Investment Score for ZIP 52255

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,000

Median Price (2BR)

$160,509

1% Rule

0.62%

Annual Yield

7.48%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$740
1 Bedroom	$760
2 Bedrooms	$1,000
3 Bedrooms	$1,310
4 Bedrooms	$1,360
5 Bedrooms	$1,578
6 Bedrooms	$1,767
7 Bedrooms	$1,908
8 Bedrooms	$2,003

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,000	$160,509	0.62%	D
3BR	$1,310	$193,537	0.68%	D
4BR	$1,360	$251,556	0.54%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

980

Median Household Income

$71,250

Housing Units

562

Renter Percentage

18.7%

Occupancy Rate

90.6%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 52255, encompassing Lowden, Iowa, presents a modest yet stable rental market that aligns well with the needs of both landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking reliable returns. The area's rental dynamics are influenced by a combination of factors including the local economy, housing stock, and demographic composition.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,020, indicating a benchmark for rental pricing in the region.
The average market rent for properties in ZIP 52255, based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, stands at $864. This figure suggests that current rents are below the FMR, potentially leaving room for moderate increases.
The median home value in the area is $180,130, which reflects a relatively affordable housing market suitable for first-time buyers and investors alike.
Renters make up 18.7% of the housing market in Lowden, a statistic that points to a smaller but steady demand for rental properties.
The median household income in the area is $71,250, providing insight into the financial capability of potential tenants to meet rental obligations.
Data on the number of days on market (DOM) for rentals is currently N/A, making it challenging to assess how quickly properties typically rent out without additional research.

In summary, the rental market in ZIP 52255 offers a balanced opportunity for investment. With current rents below the FMR, there is potential for slight upward adjustments, which can be strategically timed to capitalize on the economic stability indicated by the median income. The modest median home value suggests that the area remains attractive for both owner-occupiers and investors looking to build a portfolio. However, the lack of DOM data necessitates further investigation to fully understand the speed at which properties are leased. Overall, Lowden presents a conservative yet promising investment environment for those interested in the rental sector.

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.