Location: Ford County, IL | Metro: Bloomington, IL MSA
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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,550 | $158,350 | 0.98% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 60936 in Ford County, IL, is set at $930 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is slightly below the market rent of $945 as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), indicating that properties rented under the Section 8 program will cashflow marginally when compared to the overall rental market in this area.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 60936, which stands at $172,559. Using this, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio. With an average monthly rent of $945, the annual rent would be approximately $11,340. This gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 6.57%, suggesting that rental income is modest relative to property values.
Note that the data does not provide specific figures for the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have experienced price cuts. However, these metrics can be crucial in understanding the dynamics between renting and buying. In areas where DOM is high or the share of price cuts is significant, it often indicates a buyer's market, which could affect the attractiveness of rental investments.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 60936 is likely to be stability. Given the close alignment between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, along with the predictable nature of government-backed vouchers, investors can expect steady, reliable cashflows without the need for premium unit upgrades. This makes Section 8 properties a safe bet for those looking to avoid volatile market conditions and ensure consistent returns.
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.