Location: Taney County, MO | Metro: Springfield, 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $800 | $150,577 | 0.53% | F |
| 2BR | $1,010 | $232,219 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $328,728 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,660 | $487,765 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 65737, located in Branson West, Missouri, within the Taney County and broader MO metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $860, while the current market rent stands at $918, indicating a positive spread of $58 per unit. This spread ensures that landlords can maintain a steady and reliable cash flow from their properties, even when they are subject to the rent caps imposed by the Section 8 program.
Furthermore, the median home value in ZIP 65737 is $315,829, which is relatively high compared to other areas within the state. However, the focus here should be on rental properties rather than home values, as the latter does not directly impact cash flow from Section 8 units. The key factor supporting the cash-flow anchor designation is the low price-cut share of 0.2%, suggesting that there is little need to reduce rents to attract tenants, thus preserving profitability.
The days on market (DOM) statistic for ZIP 65737 is 70 days, which is moderate and indicates that properties typically sell within a reasonable timeframe without necessitating significant price reductions. This further supports the notion that maintaining rental prices near the FMR level is feasible and sustainable.
While the renter share of 20.1% and median income of $63,811 could suggest diversification opportunities, the primary strength of ZIP 65737 lies in its ability to provide stable cash flows. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should prioritize this aspect over speculative growth strategies, given the predictability and reliability of the rental market in this area.
In conclusion, ZIP 65737 acts as a strong cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rents, combined with the low price-cut share and moderate DOM. These factors ensure that investors can depend on consistent returns without the volatility associated with appreciation plays or diversification goals.
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.