Location: Cumberland County, IL | Metro: Cumberland County, IL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
19.4% of residents in ZIP 62468 are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties. This demand is met by a market rent of $917, according to Census ACS data, which is slightly below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026. The difference between the FMR and market rent suggests that there is room for slight increases in rental pricing without deterring tenants.
$158,007 is the median home value in this area, reflecting a stable housing market. However, the median income of $75,625 indicates that many households may find it challenging to afford homeownership, further supporting the need for affordable rental options.
The lack of data on days on market (DOM) and price-cut share does not provide insight into the speed at which homes are selling or the frequency of price reductions. Despite this, the strong renter share and reasonable market rents suggest that rental properties can be effectively managed and maintained without significant financial risk.
To conclude, the current economic conditions in ZIP 62468 support the viability of Section 8 investments. With a robust rental market and a fair balance between market rents and FMRs, landlords and small-portfolio investors can confidently participate in the Section 8 program knowing that their properties will likely attract and retain tenants who can afford the rent.
Verdict: Section 8 investments in ZIP 62468 are viable given the economic indicators.
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.