Location: Wells County, ND | Metro: Stutsman County, ND
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 58486, located in Wells County, North Dakota, reveals several key points that should be considered before investing. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $870 per month for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is crucial as it represents the maximum amount landlords can charge for a unit to be eligible under the Section 8 housing choice voucher program.
However, the market rent data for ZIP 58486 is currently unavailable, which makes it challenging to directly compare the HUD FMR against prevailing market rates. Without this comparison, it's difficult to ascertain whether voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR, marginally, or only with premium units. Typically, if the market rent is higher than the FMR, landlords might struggle to achieve positive cashflow unless they focus on premium units or areas where demand exceeds supply.
The median home value for ZIP 58486 is also not available, which means deriving a precise rent-to-price ratio is impossible. Nevertheless, the lack of data on median home values suggests that the area may have limited residential real estate activity, potentially indicating stability rather than rapid appreciation or decline in property values. Stability is often preferred by long-term investors who seek consistent returns over speculative gains.
The days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are also not available for this area. These metrics would provide insight into the local real estate market's health and the balance between renting and buying. In their absence, we must rely on other indicators to gauge the investment climate.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 58486 appears to be stability. Given the reliance on HUD FMR and the lack of significant market fluctuations indicated by the missing data, investors can expect steady, reliable returns from Section 8 properties without the volatility associated with rapidly changing markets.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.