Location: Lee County, IL | Metro: Bureau County, IL
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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $980 | $127,430 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $183,791 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $205,952 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 61342, Mendota, Illinois, is set at $1,020 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, which means that if a landlord participates in the Section 8 program, they will receive up to $1,020 per month from the government to cover the difference between the voucher holder's contribution and the actual rent.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Mendota, according to Census ACS data, is $794. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the local average, potentially offering landlords a better financial return when compared to typical market rates.
Mendota has a 33.8% share of renters, suggesting there is a significant demand for rental properties. This high percentage of renters can be advantageous for landlords, as it increases the likelihood of finding tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers.
If you're considering purchasing a property in Mendota for your first Section 8 rental, the median home value is approximately $175,085. This figure reflects the acquisition cost for a typical property in the area, which should factor into your investment calculations.
Before making the decision to participate in the Section 8 program, verify that your property meets all local housing quality standards. These requirements ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for landlords to receive Section 8 payments.
In summary, the FMR of $1,020 provides a benchmark for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, exceeding the local average rent of $794. With a 33.8% renter population, there is substantial demand for rental properties, and the median home value of $175,085 offers an insight into potential acquisition costs. Ensure your property meets all necessary quality standards to avoid any issues with receiving payments.
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.