Location: Edgar County, IL | Metro: Douglas County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 61917, located in Edgar County, IL, reveals several critical factors that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider before investing in this area.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. However, the market rent for ZIP 61917 is currently not available. This lack of data makes it challenging to directly compare the FMR against the actual market rent, which is essential for determining if rental properties can be priced competitively while maintaining profitability.
Regarding the affordability of property acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 61917 is not provided. Additionally, the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts are also missing. These metrics are crucial for understanding how quickly properties sell and whether they require significant discounts, which can impact an investor's initial capital outlay and potential returns.
Tenant demand is another key factor. ZIP 61917 has a total population of 420, with a 4.6% renter share. Given these figures, the pool of potential tenants is relatively small, suggesting limited demand for rental properties. This low demand could make it difficult to find and retain tenants, potentially leading to higher vacancy rates and reduced income.
In conclusion, ZIP 61917 presents a challenging investment environment due to the unavailability of market rent data and the low tenant demand. Without accurate market rent figures, it is impossible to determine if the $970 FMR aligns with what tenants are willing to pay. Furthermore, the small population and low renter share indicate a limited market for rental properties, which could result in higher vacancy rates and lower occupancy levels. These factors collectively suggest that the area may not be favorable for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking stable and profitable 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.