Location: Muscatine County, IA | Metro: Cedar 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $180,329 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $233,756 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $302,382 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 in metro FY 2026 for ZIP 52778 (Wilton, IA), landlords can expect competitive returns on their investments. The Census ACS reports a market rent of $828, indicating a reasonable premium for properties meeting Section 8 standards. Given the median home value of $224,833, there is a significant opportunity for appreciation and long-term equity growth. Renter share stands at 29.6%, suggesting a substantial demand for rental housing in the area. The median income of $82,623 provides insight into the economic health of the community, supporting stable tenant populations. Although the data does not specify the days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price-cut shares, the strong fundamentals of Wilton make it an attractive location for rental investments. The slight gap between the FMR and market rent signals a potential for landlords to attract tenants willing to pay slightly above average rates, especially if they offer well-maintained and modernized units. With these figures, it's evident that Wilton offers a balanced market for both traditional rentals and Section 8 participation. Landlords should consider the benefits of diversifying their portfolio with Section 8 units, given the solid economic base and the high FMR compared to the median home value. The verdict on Section 8 in Wilton, IA is positive, with the potential for steady cash flow and property preservation.
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.