Location: Vernon County, MO | Metro: Barton 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $211,950 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 64728 stands at $67,188, which places significant constraints on households looking to afford the market rate rent of $900. This figure is derived from the Census ACS data, highlighting the financial realities faced by renters in this area.
Interestingly, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the federal government for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 is $890, nearly matching the market rate but still leaving little room for additional expenses. This parity suggests that while renters might be able to find housing within their budget, they will likely have limited options outside of voucher-supported units.
With only 11.8% of the 445-person population being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low. However, this also means that the pool of potential tenants is smaller, making it crucial for landlords to consider both voucher and cash-pay strategies carefully.
To frame this from the renter's perspective, the affordability gap is stark. A household earning the median income would need to allocate a substantial portion of their earnings towards rent, even when using a voucher. The gap between the median income and the market rate highlights the necessity for subsidies like vouchers to make housing affordable.
Takeaway for Landlords:
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.