Location: Mason County, IL | Metro: Mason County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,741 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 61567 in Mason County, IL metro, reveals several key points for potential real-estate investors focusing on Section 8 properties.
The rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,120, while the actual market rent based on Census ACS data stands at $939. This discrepancy means that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, especially when the prevailing market rate is significantly lower.
Regarding property acquisition, the data indicates that the median home value, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that had their prices cut are all listed as N/A. This lack of specific information makes it difficult to assess the affordability of acquiring properties in this ZIP code. Investors would need to look into local real estate trends and consult with local agents to understand the dynamics of property pricing and availability.
Tenant demand is present but limited. With a total population of 411, and 23.0% of them being renters, the pool of potential tenants is relatively small. However, given that nearly a quarter of the residents are looking for rental housing, there is still a demand that could be met by a few well-positioned rental units.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP code 61567 presents challenges due to the unfavorable rent math where the FMR exceeds the market rent. Additionally, the lack of data on median home values, DOM, and price cuts complicates the assessment of acquisition costs and feasibility. Despite these issues, the existing tenant demand suggests there is a niche market for rentals. However, the small population size limits the scale at which investment can be profitable. For small-portfolio investors, identifying and securing properties below the FMR could potentially offer a viable opportunity, but careful consideration and local market research are essential.
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.