Location: Muscatine County, IA | Metro: Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL MSA
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 | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,587 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,129 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,285 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,400 | $270,840 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,830 | $338,177 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $2,230 | $405,311 | 0.55% | F |
| 5BR | $2,587 | $448,797 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 52726, located in Blue Grass, IA, has a population of 5,160 residents. Only 8.6% of these residents are renters, indicating that this is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy zone. This suggests that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers will be relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $104,250, which is notably high. The typical market rent of $1,028 represents only about 1.2% of the median household income. In contrast, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,080 for FY 2024, slightly above the current market rent. This indicates that the rental market in Blue Grass is somewhat below the FMR threshold, potentially making it easier for tenants with vouchers to cover their rent.
A landlord in this ZIP code can expect a tenant profile that includes individuals who are likely to have a strong credit history and stable employment, given the high median income level. However, due to the lower percentage of renters, finding tenants who qualify for and use Section 8 vouchers may require additional effort. Landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that is smaller but potentially more financially reliable, especially when considering the overall economic health of the area.
In summary, while there is some potential for Section 8 tenants in ZIP 52726, the area is characterized by a predominance of homeowners, which means that the number of available vouchers and the demand for them will be less intense than in more urban or renter-heavy regions. The relatively low rent compared to the median income suggests that tenants with vouchers could manage their housing costs effectively, making it a viable option for landlords willing to participate in the program.
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.