Location: Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA | Metro: Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 61232 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $920, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that the market rent stands at $967. This represents a difference of $47, or approximately 5.1%, with the market rent being higher.
The disparity suggests that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers might face a financial challenge, as they are receiving rental payments below the open-market rates. The lower FMR of $920 compared to the market rent of $967 means that landlords could potentially earn more by renting to non-voucher tenants. However, accepting vouchers can still be a strategic decision due to the stability and reliability of income from the government subsidy.
In ZIP 61232, only 11.8% of residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied area. The median home value of $208,897 and median income of $73,971 provide additional context. These figures suggest that while the majority of residents own their homes, those who do rent are likely to be part of a smaller, but still significant, segment of the population. Landlords must weigh the benefits of steady income from voucher programs against the potential for higher yields from market-rate rentals.
To illustrate the impact of this gap, consider the following:
The $47 per month gap translates into a substantial yearly difference of $564. While this may seem minor, it can significantly affect the overall profitability of a property when considering long-term investment strategies. Therefore, landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully evaluate the trade-offs before deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
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.