Location: Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | Metro: Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,735 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,518 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,744 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,190 | $323,684 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $2,820 | $362,049 | 0.78% | D |
| 4BR | $3,220 | $529,194 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $3,735 | $656,007 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should buy in ZIP 60060 (Mundelein, IL) for Section 8 purposes, follow this decision tree based on the provided data.
1) Does FMR $2000 (zip FY 2024) clear debt service on a $383,998 property?
2) Is market rent $2,367 (ZORI) above, at, or below FMR?
3) Are 26.2% renters + 12-day DOM enough demand?
In conclusion, while Mundelein offers quick property turnover and a modest rental market, the FMR of $2000 is insufficient to cover the debt service on a $383,998 property. The ZORI being above the FMR further complicates the decision, as it means landlords could potentially earn more by renting to non-Section 8 tenants. Therefore, the decision to invest in this zip code for Section 8 purposes hinges on the specific financial goals and risk tolerance of the landlord, alongside a deeper analysis of local Section 8 demand.
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.