Location: Kansas City, MO | Metro: Kansas City, MO-KS HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,865 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,466 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,639 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,580 | $197,797 | 0.8% | D |
| 3BR | $2,060 | $249,307 | 0.83% | C |
| 4BR | $2,470 | $372,502 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $2,865 | $442,312 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if you should invest in ZIP 64119 (Kansas City, MO) for Section 8 properties, follow this decision tree based on the provided data.
1) Does FMR $1320 (zip FY 2024) clear debt service on a $257,350 property?
2) Is market rent $1,624 (ZORI) above, at, or below FMR?
3) Are 25.3% renters + 23-day DOM enough demand?
In summary, if your primary focus is on Section 8 properties, the answer is generally No. The FMR of $1320 does not provide enough income to clear debt service on a $257,350 property. Even though the market rent is higher, the demand alone cannot justify the investment when the income is capped by the FMR. For those considering the broader rental market, the answer is It Depends. While there is strong rental demand, the profitability and risk profile must be carefully assessed against your financial goals and tolerance for market fluctuations.
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.