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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $212,217 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $252,351 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,640 | $306,643 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Durant, IA, ZIP code 52747, is a modest-sized community with a population of 2,160 residents. The area reflects a mix of homeowners and renters, with 20.3% of the population choosing to rent rather than own their homes. The median household income stands at a robust $82,313, indicating a generally well-off community. This economic strength is further supported by the median home value, which is recorded at $236,738, suggesting a stable and potentially growing real estate market.
When it comes to rental economics, the data presents an interesting opportunity. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52747 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,030, while the average market rent, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is significantly lower at $790. This discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rent creates a potential profit margin for landlords who can leverage the higher reimbursement rates offered by the Section 8 program.
The question then arises: Is ZIP 52747 better suited for a hands-off voucher operator or a hands-on value-add buyer? Given the relatively low percentage of renters and the high median income, the area might favor a hands-on approach. A value-add buyer could focus on improving the quality of rental properties to command rents closer to the FMR, thus maximizing the benefits of the Section 8 program. However, for those preferring a less involved strategy, the existing gap between FMR and market rent offers a straightforward path to profitability without extensive property upgrades or management efforts.
To conclude, Durant, IA, represented by ZIP 52747, is a community with strong economic indicators, making it a viable option for both hands-off and hands-on Section 8 investors. Whether you choose to operate properties passively or actively improve them, the financial landscape suggests favorable conditions for generating steady returns through the Section 8 housing assistance 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.