Location: Appanoose County, IA | Metro: Appanoose 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $106,995 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,140 | $172,113 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 52549, located in Cincinnati, IA, sits within the broader context of the Appanoose County, IA metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which provides a benchmark against which we can measure the specific characteristics of ZIP 52549.
The market rent in ZIP 52549 stands at $850, indicating that it is slightly below the metro-wide FMR. This suggests that 52549 offers rental properties at a lower cost compared to the average in Appanoose County, making it potentially attractive for tenants seeking affordable housing options. However, this also implies that landlords might see slightly lower returns on their investments when compared to other areas within the county.
The median home value in ZIP 52549 is $92,025, which is notably lower than what might be expected in a typical ZIP code within the county. This figure points towards an area where property values are generally less expensive, possibly due to factors such as lower demand, smaller housing stock, or economic conditions specific to the region.
The renter share in ZIP 52549 is 7.9%, which is relatively low. This percentage indicates that a smaller proportion of residents are renters compared to homeowners, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied community. In terms of Section 8 investment, a low renter share combined with below-average home values could imply limited opportunities for rental properties under the Section 8 program.
Given the specific figures provided, ZIP 52549 appears to be a value pocket within the Appanoose County, IA metro area. Its below-metro market rent and lower-than-average home values position it as an area where affordability is a key characteristic. However, the low renter share does not align with the typical profile of a Section 8 sweet spot, which usually has a higher concentration of renters and lower home values indicative of a need for subsidized housing.
To summarize, ZIP 52549 is an affordable area with rental rates and home values that are below the metro average, but it lacks the high renter share necessary to qualify as a prime location for Section 8 investments. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the local demand for rentals and the potential for long-term appreciation in property values before making investment decisions in this area.
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.