Location: Lewis County, MO | Metro: Lewis County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 63452 in Lewis County, Missouri, reveals several key points for potential Section 8 real-estate investors.
First, let's examine if the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $910 for fiscal year 2026, is notably higher than the current market rent of $700 based on Census ACS data. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect a higher rental income compared to the general market, making it financially viable to accept Section 8 tenants.
Second, regarding the affordability of property acquisition, the data presents some challenges. With a median home value marked as N/A, it's unclear what the typical cost of a home in this ZIP code might be. Additionally, the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require price cuts before selling are also listed as N/A, indicating a lack of recent sales data to accurately assess the local real estate market dynamics. This absence of data makes it difficult to determine whether acquiring properties is currently affordable.
Third, there is evidence of tenant demand. The ZIP code has a total population of 1,026, with 20.4% of residents being renters. This indicates a steady, albeit modest, pool of potential tenants who could benefit from Section 8 housing assistance.
In conclusion, while the financials of accepting Section 8 tenants appear favorable due to the higher FMR compared to the market rent, the lack of specific data on median home values, DOM, and price-cut shares complicates the assessment of property acquisition costs. Despite these uncertainties, the presence of a renter share within the population suggests there is a demand for rental properties. Landlords and investors should proceed with caution, focusing on securing properties at reasonable prices and ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for participation in the Section 8 program.
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.