Location: Cedar County, IA | Metro: Iowa City, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $219,090 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,520 | $287,496 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $356,553 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
15.1% of residents in ZIP code 52358 (West Branch, IA) are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties. The $1020 Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for the area in fiscal year 2024 represents the maximum amount Section 8 participants can pay for housing, which is slightly above the $1,092 average market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program could potentially see higher rents compared to the local market rate.
$292,144 is the median home value in West Branch, providing insight into the overall property values in the area. Given this figure, it's important to note that the $91,686 median income is relatively low, which might impact the financial capacity of potential tenants to afford higher rents. However, the fact that the market rent is below the FMR indicates that the local rental market is competitive, and landlords could benefit from aligning their rents with the Section 8 rates.
The 0.2% price-cut share suggests that very few listings are being discounted, indicating a stable market where landlords might be able to maintain their asking prices without significant adjustments. This stability combined with the slightly higher FMR compared to the market rent makes West Branch an attractive option for landlords looking to participate in the Section 8 program.
In summary, the data points to a scenario where landlords in West Branch, IA can leverage the Section 8 program to secure stable rental income. With the FMR exceeding the market rent and a low price-cut share, the area presents a favorable environment for those willing to comply with the program's requirements. The verdict on Section 8 participation for this zip code is positive, offering a good balance between tenant affordability and landlord profitability.
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.