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 | $1,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,630 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,132 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,508 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,789 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,978 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,840 | $308,122 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $2,370 | $368,771 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $2,700 | $438,228 | 0.62% | D |
| 5BR | $3,132 | $503,822 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 60513, located in Brookfield, IL within the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area, serves best as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1500, which is significantly below the market rent of $1750. This $250 spread between the FMR and market rent provides a stable and predictable income source for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 60513 stands at $345,437, indicating a relatively expensive housing market. However, the low FMR compared to market rates ensures that landlords can still achieve positive cash flow when renting to tenants who receive Section 8 vouchers. This stability is crucial for small-portfolio investors looking to maintain consistent income streams without the volatility associated with fluctuating rental markets.
While ZIP 60513 does not present an immediate appreciation play due to its 0.2% price-cut share and N/A-day Days on Market (DOM), it offers solid diversification potential. With an 18.3% renter share, there is a significant portion of the population that relies on rental properties, making it a viable market for Section 8 tenants. Additionally, the median income of $110,338 suggests that residents have the financial capability to contribute their portion of the rent, further enhancing the reliability of the cash flow.
In summary, ZIP 60513 acts as a strong cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy, thanks to its favorable rent spread and stable tenant base. Landlords should consider this area for its ability to provide steady income, even if rapid appreciation is not expected.
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.