Location: Shelby County, IL | Metro: Moultrie County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 61957, which encompasses Windsor, IL, within the Shelby County metro area, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 is set at $920 for the metro scope. In contrast, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the average market rent at $729. This indicates that voucher tenants in this area would cashflow at the HUD FMR rate, providing a positive financial outlook for property owners.
To further assess the investment potential, consider the median home value of $151,267. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio. With an average market rent of $729, the annual rent is approximately $8,748. Dividing this by the median home value yields a rent-to-price ratio of about 5.8%. This suggests that rental income represents a significant portion of the property's value, making it a viable option for investors seeking steady cash flow.
Note that the data does not provide a median Days on Market (DOM) or the percentage of properties that experienced price cuts. However, given the favorable cashflow scenario, these metrics might be less critical for understanding the rent-vs-buy dynamics in ZIP 61957. The strong cashflow potential is the most compelling angle for investors in this market, ensuring a reliable and consistent income stream from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units.
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.