Location: Schuyler County, IL | Metro: McDonough County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The gap between the FMR and the market rent is approximately $421 to $620 per month. This translates into a percentage gap ranging from 45.76% to 67.39%, depending on whether the market rent is at the lower end ($300) or higher end ($499) of the reported range.
In ZIP 61452, where the FMR exceeds the market rent, landlords can leverage this discrepancy to increase their yield. By accepting Section 8 vouchers, they ensure a steady stream of income that aligns with the higher FMR, thus potentially boosting their returns above what the open-market rents would provide.
However, it's important to note that while the FMR is higher, the actual cost of maintaining and managing properties may still be aligned with the lower market rent. Landlords must consider the overall expenses, including maintenance, property management, and potential delays in receiving payments, when deciding to accept Section 8 vouchers.
The context of ZIP 61452 is crucial for understanding this analysis. With only 6.4% of residents being renters, the market is relatively small. Additionally, the median home value and median income figures are not available, which suggests limited data on the economic conditions of the area. Despite these gaps in data, the disparity between the FMR and market rent remains a key factor for landlords and small-portfolio investors to consider.
Accepting Section 8 vouchers in this scenario can be seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the higher FMR while serving a segment of the population that might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing. It offers a balance between social responsibility and financial gain, particularly in a market where the number of renters is low.
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.