Location: Mercer County, MO | Metro: Mercer County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,262 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,533 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,736 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,873 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 64661, located in Mercer County, Missouri, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, which stands at $940, and the current market rent, estimated at $704. The difference of $236 represents a substantial margin that landlords can leverage to ensure steady, predictable cash flow.
The FMR is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and reflects the maximum amount that a Section 8 tenant can pay for rent in a given area. In ZIP 64661, HUD's FMR is notably higher than what the market currently offers, indicating that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can secure rental income above the typical market rate. This creates an opportunity for landlords to achieve higher occupancy rates and maintain consistent income streams, even when market conditions fluctuate.
While the median home value and appreciation potential are not available for this ZIP code, the primary focus should be on the stable income that a Section 8 property can provide. The 22.1% renter share suggests a moderate level of demand for rental properties, and the median income of $54,122 indicates that tenants are likely to be financially stable and capable of meeting their rental obligations.
In summary, ZIP 64661 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent. This positioning allows landlords to rely on steady income from Section 8 tenants without the uncertainty associated with appreciation plays or the need for extensive diversification strategies.
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.