Location: Pulaski County, MO | Metro: Camden 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $210,811 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if you should invest in ZIP code 65452 for Section 8 properties, follow this decision tree:
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 cover the debt service on a property valued at $201,821?
No: The FMR of $910 does not clear the debt service on a $201,821 property. Debt service typically includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Given that the average monthly payment on a $201,821 property can exceed $910, especially when factoring in additional expenses, relying solely on Section 8 rents would result in a financial loss.
Yes: This scenario is unlikely given the provided data. However, if there were a situation where the total debt service was lower than $910, then proceeding to the next question would be appropriate.
It Depends: This answer is not applicable here due to the clear mismatch between the FMR and the likely debt service amount.
2) How does the market rent of $648 compare to the FMR?
Below FMR: The market rent of $648 is below the FMR of $910. This indicates that tenants who are not part of the Section 8 program might be willing to pay more than the current market rent, but they would still be paying less than the FMR. Landlords with Section 8 properties will receive the difference between the market rent and the FMR, which means they could potentially earn a higher income compared to purely market-rate rentals.
At or Above FMR: This scenario is not relevant to ZIP 65452 based on the provided data.
3) Is the demand sufficient with 18.9% of residents being renters and the number of days on the market (DOM) being N/A?
Yes: With 18.9% of residents renting, there is a stable tenant base. The N/A value for DOM suggests that the data for how long rental listings stay active before being leased is either not available or not significant enough to impact the analysis. Assuming the vacancy rate is low, this indicates strong demand for rental units.
No: If the percentage of renters were significantly lower or if the DOM indicated a high number of days before a unit is leased, the demand would be insufficient. However, with 18.9% renters, this is not the case.
It Depends: The lack of DOM data makes it difficult to assess the speed at which units are leased. If other local market indicators show a trend towards longer leasing periods, it could affect your investment decision. Otherwise, the current percentage of renters supports a positive outlook.
In conclusion, based on the data provided, a landlord should proceed cautiously with investing in ZIP 65452 for Section 8 properties. The FMR does not cover the debt service on a $201,821 property, making it financially unviable without additional considerations. However, the market rent being below the FMR could offer some financial benefits, and the percentage of renters suggests a stable demand. It ultimately depends on the landlord's tolerance for risk and their ability to manage properties effectively within the constraints of Section 8 funding.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.