Location: Howard County, MO | Metro: Columbia, MO 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $319,060 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $1,420 | $370,315 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $1,680 | $488,325 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 65256, which includes Harrisburg, Missouri, is set at $960 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing assistance in the area. It's important to note that this is not the amount you will charge tenants as rent; it's the maximum amount the government will pay toward rent for eligible families.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Harrisburg, based on Census American Community Survey data, is $694. This means that if you participate in the Section 8 program, you could potentially receive a higher reimbursement rate from the government than the typical market rent.
The renter share in Harrisburg stands at 9.0%, indicating that nearly one out of every ten households in the area is a potential tenant for your Section 8 rental property. This suggests a steady demand for affordable housing options, making it a viable market for landlords interested in the Section 8 program.
When acquiring a property for a Section 8 rental in Harrisburg, the median home value is approximately $387,727. This gives you an idea of the investment required to enter the market. However, remember that properties suitable for Section 8 can often be found at lower costs, especially if they require some level of repair or improvement.
Before deciding to invest in a Section 8 rental property in Harrisburg, ensure that the property meets all the necessary Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and must be satisfied to qualify for the program. The HQS inspection is a critical step that you must pass to become a Section 8 landlord.
In summary, the FMR of $960 provides a solid benchmark for the reimbursement rate you can expect from the government. With the average rent at $694 and a 9.0% renter share, there is a clear demand for affordable housing in Harrisburg. The median home value of $387,727 gives you an idea of the investment needed. Verify that your property meets HQS to ensure eligibility for the program.
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.