Location: McDonough County, IL | Metro: Hancock County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 61450 is situated in a small-town setting characterized by a modest population of 1,812 residents. With only 18.7% of the population renting their homes, it's evident that this area leans heavily towards homeownership, boasting a median home value of $92,890. The median income here stands at $59,688, suggesting a community where most individuals can afford to own property rather than rent.
Transitioning into the economic landscape for rental properties, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $920. However, the actual market rent as per the Census ACS is significantly lower at $764. This discrepancy indicates a potential opportunity for landlords who are willing to operate under the Section 8 program, as they could benefit from the higher FMR subsidy rates compared to the local market rent.
Given these factors, ZIP 61450 might not be ideal for hands-off voucher operators looking for high rental yields. The low percentage of renters and the difference between FMR and market rent suggest that such an approach would likely result in suboptimal returns. Instead, this area is better suited for hands-on value-add buyers who can manage properties effectively and potentially increase their value through improvements or strategic positioning. These buyers could leverage the Section 8 program to attract stable tenants while working to enhance the overall appeal and profitability of their investments.
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.