Location: Phelps County, MO | Metro: Phelps County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 65529 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as the market rent is currently unknown but the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $910 for the metro area. This can lead to unstable cash flow due to frequent changes in occupancy. Additionally, vacancy exposure is heightened because the Days on Market (DOM) is also not available, indicating potential difficulty in filling vacancies promptly. With regard to deferred maintenance, the typical home value is not specified, but the median household income stands at $111,618, which suggests that tenants might struggle to afford necessary repairs out-of-pocket, leading to higher maintenance costs for the landlord.
However, these risks must be weighed against the fact that only 0.0% of residents are renters, which is unusually low. Typically, high renter density correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates. In this case, the low renter population implies fewer voucher holders and less competition among landlords for Section 8 tenants, which could result in lower overall demand for rental properties. Despite the lack of specific data points, the low renter share mitigates some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and maintenance, as it indicates a smaller pool of potential Section 8 participants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.