Location: Maries County, MO | Metro: Maries County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The difference between the FMR of $930 and the market rent range of $300-$499 is $431-$630. In terms of percentage, this gap represents an increase of 143%-210% above the market rent.
This gap makes ZIP 65580 a prime location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maximize yields. Voucher tenants provide a guaranteed income stream that exceeds the local market rates, ensuring higher returns on investment. Given that 26.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $69,898, the demand for affordable housing is evident, but the supply is limited by the disparity between what voucher holders can pay and the open-market rent.
However, participating in the Section 8 program comes with its own set of considerations. Landlords must adhere to federal guidelines and inspections, which can impose additional costs and administrative burdens. Additionally, the income level of voucher tenants might limit their ability to cover utility costs if they exceed the included amount in the rental price.
To summarize, while the FMR is significantly higher than the current market rent, the decision to accept Section 8 tenants should be made after carefully weighing the benefits of higher rental income against the potential costs and responsibilities associated with the program.
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.