Location: Polk County, MO | Metro: Dallas County, MO HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $143,901 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $235,015 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $308,363 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP 65622, Buffalo, MO, are significant. First, tenant turnover is likely to be high due to the disparity between the market rent of $634 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $800 for fiscal year 2024. This discrepancy means that tenants might struggle to cover their portion of the rent, leading to frequent moves and increased vacancy rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average days on market (DOM) is not available, which suggests a lack of consistent data on how long properties typically remain vacant before being rented out. Without this information, it's difficult to predict the financial impact of vacancies on your investment.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With a typical home value of $210,078 and a median income of $50,081, many residents may not have the financial means to maintain their homes adequately. This can lead to higher repair costs and maintenance expenses for landlords, especially if they are not prepared to handle these issues.
However, there are mitigating factors to consider. The renter share in Buffalo, MO, is 29.3%, indicating a relatively high concentration of renters. High renter density generally translates into greater demand for rental housing, including those who rely on Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help offset some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and vacancy exposure.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.