Location: Lawrence County, MO | Metro: Barry 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $980 | $192,574 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $275,305 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $332,309 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Verona, MO, located in ZIP code 65769, stands out within Barry County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 2,409 residents, Verona has a rental rate of 10.8%, significantly lower than the national average. The median household income is $67,829, while the median home value is $258,093, indicating a relatively stable and affluent community.
The dynamics of Section 8 vouchers in Verona present an interesting opportunity for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $890, which is higher than the current market rent of $825 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This suggests that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers could potentially charge closer to the FMR, thereby increasing their rental income. Additionally, the higher FMR compared to the market rent implies that tenants with vouchers can afford homes that are slightly above the typical market rate, providing landlords with a broader range of potential tenants.
Evaluating the data signature of ZIP 65769, it reads as "stable." The combination of a modest rental rate, a median income that exceeds the median home value, and the favorable voucher economics all point towards a community that is unlikely to experience significant transitions in the near future. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect consistent demand for housing and a reliable tenant base when considering investments in Verona, MO.
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.