Location: Bureau County, IL | Metro: Bureau County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 61317, located in Bureau County, IL metro, serves as an ideal diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The median income in this area stands at $58,750, indicating a moderate economic environment where rental properties can attract a stable tenant base.
The renter share of 12.8% suggests that while not every household seeks rental options, there is still a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing solutions. This makes ZIP 61317 a valuable addition to a portfolio aimed at spreading risk across different types of investments.
A key factor in determining the role of this ZIP code in a Section 8 strategy is the financial gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rates. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the Bureau County, IL metro is set at $1,030, whereas the market rate is $675. This creates a spread of $355, which means landlords participating in the Section 8 program can secure a higher rent compared to the local market, thereby ensuring positive cash flow even when dealing with subsidized tenants.
The lack of specific data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) does not hinder the analysis of this ZIP code's potential. Instead, the focus should be on the stability and predictability offered by the Section 8 program, which can provide a steady income stream regardless of market fluctuations. Given the median income level and the renter share, the demand for affordable housing is likely to remain consistent, making this ZIP code a reliable component of a diversified investment strategy.
In summary, ZIP 61317 is best suited as a diversifier in a Section 8 portfolio due to its moderate income levels and significant renter share, allowing landlords to benefit from the guaranteed cash flow provided by the FMR while also contributing to the community's need for affordable housing.
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.