Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 62617 - 2027

Location: Mason County, IL | Metro: Mason County, IL

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$680
1 Bedroom	$750
2 Bedrooms	$980
3 Bedrooms	$1,360
4 Bedrooms	$1,640
5 Bedrooms	$1,902
6 Bedrooms	$2,130
7 Bedrooms	$2,300
8 Bedrooms	$2,415

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

524

Median Household Income

$56,667

Housing Units

389

Renter Percentage

11.3%

Occupancy Rate

75.1%

Renter Occupied

ZIP code 62617, located within the Mason County, IL metro area, presents an interesting profile when compared to other ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 62617 is set at $930 for fiscal year 2026, which is slightly above the average market rent of $835. This indicates that the rental costs in 62617 are higher than what the market typically offers, suggesting a potentially premium sub-market status.

The renter share in ZIP 62617 is 11.3%, which is notably higher than the typical share in many rural areas but could be standard for this particular county. Given the lack of specific home value data for 62617, it's difficult to make direct comparisons to other ZIP codes in the county regarding property appreciation potential. However, the combination of a higher-than-average renter share and slightly elevated FMR could imply a strong presence of government-assisted housing programs such as Section 8.

To determine if ZIP 62617 is a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, consider the following:

Premium Sub-Market: The higher FMR suggests a premium sub-market, where rental properties can command slightly higher rents due to demand factors that might include proximity to certain amenities or services not available elsewhere in the county.
Mid-Tier Neighborhood: If the absence of specific home value data is indicative of neither particularly high nor low values relative to the county, then 62617 might be considered a mid-tier neighborhood, offering moderate investment opportunities without the highest returns.
Value Pocket: A high renter share combined with below-metro home values often signals a sweet spot for Section 8 investments. However, since home value data for 62617 is not available, this classification remains speculative.

The divergence between the FMR and market rent, with the former being higher, along with the significant renter share, points towards a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investors. This ZIP code could offer a balance of manageable property acquisition costs and the ability to charge rents that align with government subsidies, making it attractive for those focused on stable, long-term rental income rather than speculative gains.

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.