Location: Taney County, MO | Metro: Douglas 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $160,398 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $229,237 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,440 | $298,447 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 65608, Ava, MO, reflects a dynamic balance between supply and demand. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $890 for the fiscal year 2026, it stands above the current market rent of $696 as reported by the Census ACS. This suggests that while rental prices have room to grow, they are currently below what is considered fair market value, indicating a potential upward trend.
The low price-cut share of 0.2% signals that property owners are generally not having to reduce their asking prices significantly to attract buyers, which can be interpreted as a strong seller's market. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to fully assess the speed at which homes are being sold. The median home value in the area is $228,313, which provides a benchmark for investment opportunities.
A 24.5% renter share in the population indicates a significant portion of the residents prefer or are required to rent rather than own. This figure suggests ongoing pressure on the rental market, as it implies a steady demand for rental properties. Over the long term, this could mean sustained interest in rental investments, making ZIP 65608 an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on consistent demand.
The snapshot reveals a market where demand for rentals is likely to remain stable, given the proportion of renters. For those considering entering the rental market in Ava, MO, the gap between current market rents and FMR presents an opportunity for growth. However, the relatively low price-cut share points towards a robust sales market, indicating that homeownership remains accessible but competitive.
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.