Location: Kansas City, MO | Metro: Kansas City, MO-KS 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $314,184 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $1,570 | $450,165 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $1,880 | $556,887 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 66052, located in Linwood, Kansas, within Leavenworth County, are straightforward. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1180. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing market conditions in Linwood.
In contrast, the local market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, averages $958 for a similar two-bedroom unit. This difference between the SAFMR and the actual market rent can be significant when calculating your net income from a Section 8 rental property.
When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they typically pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, which is then supplemented by the government to cover the remainder up to the SAFMR. In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances. For ZIP 66052, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom unit is $374 per month.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $350, the government will reimburse you the difference between the tenant's payment and the SAFMR, plus the utility allowance. So, the total reimbursement would be:
Thus, the total monthly reimbursement for a two-bedroom unit would be $830 + $374 = $1204.
Given that the local market rent is $958, landlords in ZIP 66052 can expect a surplus of approximately $246 per month over the market rent for a two-bedroom unit. This surplus represents additional income beyond what the average local rent would provide, making Section 8 participation potentially attractive for landlords looking to maximize their rental income.
However, it's important to note that this surplus is based on the assumption that the government will approve the SAFMR rate and that the tenant's portion of the rent remains consistent. Landlords should also factor in any administrative costs associated with participating in the Section 8 program.
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.