Location: Wayne County, MO | Metro: Wayne County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 63952 in Wayne County, Missouri, reveals several key points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $890, while the actual market rent according to Census ACS data is only $363. This significant disparity suggests that landlords would need to adjust their expectations downward if they want to align with current market conditions. Renting at the FMR level could result in prolonged vacancy periods.
The second question concerns the affordability of property acquisition. Unfortunately, the data does not provide a median home value, days on market (DOM), or the percentage of homes that had to reduce their asking price. Without these specifics, it's challenging to make a definitive judgment on the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties in this ZIP code.
The third question examines tenant demand. With a total population of 284, 25.7% of residents are renters. This indicates a relatively small but present rental market. However, given the low population base, even a slight change in the number of renters can have a substantial impact on the local rental dynamics.
Verdict: ZIP 63952 presents a scenario where the gap between proposed FMRs and actual market rents is too wide to be sustainable. Landlords must price their rentals closer to the market rate of $363 to attract tenants. The lack of detailed acquisition data makes it difficult to assess the cost-effectiveness of buying properties here. Despite the small population, there is a notable renter share, which supports some level of tenant demand. However, the limited scale means that any investment should be cautious and well-researched, considering the local economy and potential for growth.
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.