Location: Texas County, MO | Metro: Howell 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 | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,290 | $214,696 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 65548 reveals several critical points that potential Section 8 landlords should consider. First, tenant turnover could pose a significant challenge due to the disparity between the market rent of $500 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $890 for FY 2026 in the metro area. This gap suggests that tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers might struggle to find housing outside of the program, leading to frequent moves and higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With an average Days on Market (DOM) being unavailable, it's difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant. However, the high renter share of 28.0% indicates a robust demand for rental housing, which can translate into a higher likelihood of voucher holders seeking available units. This factor could mitigate the risk of extended vacancies.
Deferred maintenance is a notable risk given the typical home value of $193,679 and the median income of $48,698. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep and repairs, as tenants with limited financial resources might not prioritize these needs. The cost of maintaining properties to meet Section 8 standards could be substantial, especially when considering the income level of the residents.
In weighing these risks, it's important to recognize that while the potential for high tenant turnover and deferred maintenance exists, the strong renter demand in ZIP 65548 provides a solid foundation for finding Section 8 tenants. The high percentage of renters often correlates with a higher demand for housing assistance, meaning there is likely a steady pool of voucher holders ready to occupy available units.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.