Location: Louisa County, IA | Metro: Washington 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,796 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,886 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $224,920 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
18.7% of residents in ZIP 52621 are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. The $910 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set for zip FY 2024, reflects the subsidized housing rates that Section 8 participants can access. In comparison, the market rent stands at $1,292 according to the Census ACS, showing a significant gap between subsidized and market rates. This discrepancy suggests opportunities for landlords who can offer units at or near the FMR. The median home value in the area is $205,415, which is a key figure for understanding the local real estate market's overall health and potential for appreciation. However, the median income of $87,188 indicates that many residents may struggle to afford market rents without assistance. While the Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are not available, these missing data points could imply either a stable market or one where sellers are cautious about overpricing. Given the higher market rents compared to the FMR, it's clear that Section 8 can provide a steady stream of tenants for landlords willing to participate. With the average renter spending approximately 75% of their income on housing based on the provided figures, the demand for affordable housing is strong. Therefore, landlords in ZIP 52621 should consider the benefits of accepting Section 8 tenants to fill vacancies and ensure a consistent revenue stream.
Verdict: Accepting Section 8 tenants is a viable strategy for maintaining occupancy and profitability in ZIP 52621.
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.