Location: Richland County, ND | Metro: Richland County, ND
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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,691 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,255 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,418 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,920 | $206,936 | 0.93% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 58081, located in Richland County, North Dakota, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the comparison between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the median home value in the area.
The FMR for ZIP 58081 in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,160. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. Despite the lack of specific market rental rates available, the FMR provides a reliable benchmark for expected rental income from Section 8 tenants in this area.
The median home value in ZIP 58081 is $194,350. Given the absence of market rental rate data, we can infer that properties in this area are relatively affordable, which aligns well with the financial constraints of many Section 8 participants. The disparity between the FMR and the median home value suggests that landlords can achieve positive cash flow when renting out homes to Section 8 tenants. For instance, a property valued at $194,350 could be rented for $1,160 per month, providing steady income that can cover mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses associated with property ownership.
The renter share in ZIP 58081 is 9.1%, indicating a smaller proportion of the population is likely to seek rental housing. However, the median income of $87,632 suggests that residents have higher purchasing power, which can stabilize the local real estate market. While this ZIP code does not present itself as an immediate appreciation play due to limited data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), the steady income generated from Section 8 rentals can act as a reliable cash-flow anchor in a diversified investment portfolio.
In conclusion, ZIP 58081 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords can expect consistent monthly income of $1,160 per unit, which is sufficient to manage property costs and provide a stable return on investment. Although there is potential for appreciation, the current data supports a focus on cash flow rather than rapid property value increases.
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.