Location: Louisa County, IA | Metro: Louisa 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 | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,130 | $166,573 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 52752 are governed by specific financial mechanisms that landlords need to understand to manage their properties effectively. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $920 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this specific ZIP code.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit in ZIP 52752 is $864 per month, based on recent Census ACS (American Community Survey) data. This lower figure indicates the average rent that tenants might otherwise pay in the open market without a voucher.
A voucher does not cover the entire rent; instead, it reimburses the landlord for the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Once this amount is paid, the voucher then covers the remainder up to the SAFMR limit. However, the total reimbursement to the landlord includes not only the rent but also utility allowances, which can vary based on the tenant's needs and the cost of utilities in the area.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $276 (assuming 30% of an adjusted income that would make sense given the SAFMR), the voucher would cover the remaining $644 of the $920 SAFMR. If the utilities allowance adds another $150 to the reimbursement, the landlord would receive a total of $794 per month from the voucher program.
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment priced at the SAFMR of $920, the landlord would face a $26 monthly shortfall compared to the SAFMR, assuming the local market rent of $864 and a standard utility allowance. Conversely, if the landlord sets the rent at the local market rate of $864, they would have a $56 monthly surplus when accounting for the typical SAFMR reimbursement plus utility allowances.
The SAFMR being set specifically for ZIP 52752 ensures that the rental assistance provided is reflective of the local housing costs, which helps in maintaining a balance between affordability and market rates. Landlords should carefully consider these economic factors when setting their rents to ensure profitability while remaining within the bounds of the Section 8 program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.