Location: Rockford, 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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,741 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,710 | $327,656 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,860 | $345,368 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 61038 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1200. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, known officially as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It's important to note that this is not necessarily the rent you will receive; it's the ceiling on what can be charged.
In ZIP 61038, there is currently no specific local rent data available to compare against the FMR, which means that the $1200 is the benchmark set by the government for this area. However, understanding the demand for Section 8 rentals is crucial. With a 4.6% renter share in the area, you can expect that about 4.6% of the population is likely to be interested in your property through the Section 8 program. This indicates a moderate level of demand.
To put the FMR into context, consider that the average price to acquire a rental property in this ZIP code is around $324,136. This means that if you're planning to purchase a property specifically to participate in the Section 8 program, you should ensure that the monthly rental income aligns with your financial goals and the investment value of the property.
Before you decide to list your property under Section 8, verify that the unit meets all the necessary housing quality standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these standards can result in disqualification from the program, so it's essential to check compliance thoroughly.
Participating in the Section 8 program can be a reliable way to secure rental income, but it comes with specific requirements and limitations. The $1200 FMR provides a clear guideline for setting your rent, and understanding the local demand helps in making an informed decision about whether this is the right path for your investment.
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.