Location: Putnam County, IL | Metro: Putnam County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 61326 within the Putnam County, IL metro area reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the region stands at $920 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $754 reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
This discrepancy indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate. Landlords can expect a positive cashflow scenario when renting to voucher holders under the current FMR, as it exceeds the average market rent by $166 per month. This makes the area attractive for investors seeking steady income through Section 8 programs.
The median home value in the area is $165,745, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.0067. To calculate this, we divide the annual FMR ($11,040) by the median home value. This ratio suggests that rental properties are undervalued relative to home prices, making them a more cost-effective investment option.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available for this analysis. However, given the higher FMR compared to market rent, the rent-vs-buy dynamics favor rental investments over homeownership, especially for those relying on Section 8 vouchers.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 61326 is cashflow, due to the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the local market rent. This ensures a reliable and above-average income stream for landlords participating 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.