Location: Ozark County, MO | Metro: Howell County, MO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 65609 presents a moderate tenant pool for Section 8 vouchers. With a total population of 733, only 17.0% of residents are renters, indicating that homeownership is prevalent in this area. This suggests that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers is limited compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in ZIP 65609 stands at $53,571, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of rent. The average market rent of $770 represents approximately 14.4% of the median income, calculated by dividing the rent by the annual income ($770 / ($53,571/12)). This ratio implies that rent is a significant but manageable portion of income for many residents. However, when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $950, it's evident that the actual rent is below the FMR threshold, potentially making it easier for Section 8 tenants to find suitable housing options within their voucher limits.
A landlord in ZIP 65609 can expect a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who rely on Section 8 vouchers for housing assistance. These tenants will likely have a combined income that falls within the low-income bracket, typically not exceeding 50% of the area median income. While the number of renters is not high, the lower market rents relative to the FMR make it feasible for Section 8 tenants to secure housing. Landlords should be prepared to work within the guidelines set by the Housing Choice Voucher program, ensuring that rents do not exceed the voucher amounts and that units meet the required standards for habitability and safety.
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.