Location: Stoddard County, MO | Metro: Mississippi County, MO
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $104,138 | 0.99% | C |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $181,782 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $243,982 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $1,601 | $304,788 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 63801, encompassing Sikeston, MO, and parts of Scott and Stoddard counties, presents a balanced opportunity for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $940. This compares favorably to the Census ACS-reported market rent of $886, indicating that voucher tenants can generally cashflow at the FMR without requiring premium units.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $156,932. Using the HUD FMR of $940, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.6%. This ratio suggests that rental income is modest relative to property values, but it still provides a stable cash flow for investors who can manage their properties efficiently.
The local real estate market also shows strong liquidity with a median Days on Market (DOM) of 54 days, and a low 0.2% share of homes experiencing price cuts. These metrics indicate that homeowners are able to sell their properties quickly and without significant reductions, which supports a robust buy-versus-rent dynamic. However, the short DOM and low price-cut share do not directly impact the decision-making process for rental investors, as they are more concerned with long-term stability and cash flow.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 63801 is the stability of the market. With voucher tenants able to cover rents at or slightly above the market rate, and a consistent median home value, investors can expect reliable and predictable returns over time.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.