Location: Douglas 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 | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $249,826 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 65753, located in Douglas County, Missouri, reveals a positive cashflow scenario when comparing the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) to the market rent. The HUD FMR for ZIP 65753 is set at $830 for fiscal year 2024, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports a market rent of $804. This indicates that landlords can expect to cashflow marginally at the FMR rate, as the voucher amount slightly exceeds the average market rent.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value of $255,312. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, which is an important metric for assessing the relative affordability of rental properties compared to their purchase price. In this case, the annual rent based on the market rent ($804) would be approximately $9,648, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of about 3.8%. This suggests that rental income represents a modest portion of the property's value, making it less attractive purely from a cashflow perspective but still viable given the slight margin above market rents.
Regarding the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been discounted, both metrics are not available for this analysis. However, these factors would typically influence the rent-versus-buy decision, especially in terms of how quickly properties can be sold and the likelihood of needing to lower the asking price. In the absence of this data, we must rely on other indicators such as the stability of the local economy and housing demand.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 65753 is likely stability. Given the marginal cashflow at the FMR rate and the moderate rent-to-price ratio, investors can expect steady returns without the volatility often associated with rapidly appreciating markets. Stability is crucial for long-term investment strategies, particularly for those relying on rental income from Section 8 vouchers.
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.