Location: Atchison County, KS | Metro: Topeka, KS MSA
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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $154,085 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $242,054 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 66060, located in Nortonville, KS, within the Atchison County, KS metro area, serves as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66060 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $880, significantly lower than the market rent of $1,023. This creates a $143 per month spread, which benefits landlords by providing a predictable and stable income source.
The median home value in this ZIP code is $202,310, indicating that the area is primarily residential with a mix of homeowners and renters. However, the 17.7% renter share suggests that while there is a notable portion of renters, the majority of residents own their homes. This dynamic supports the idea that ZIP 66060 is more suitable for cash flow rather than rapid property appreciation, as evidenced by the lack of significant price-cut shares or days on market (DOM).
The stable income provided by the Section 8 program in ZIP 66060 is particularly attractive given the low vacancy risk and steady demand for rental properties. Landlords can rely on consistent rental payments, which helps to mitigate financial uncertainty and provides a solid foundation for long-term investment planning.
Moreover, the median income of $77,222 in ZIP 66060 indicates that residents have the means to afford higher rents outside of the Section 8 program, should they choose to do so. However, for landlords focused on Section 8 properties, the key advantage lies in the guaranteed monthly income, which is essential for maintaining positive cash flow.
In conclusion, ZIP 66060 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $143 monthly spread between FMR and market rent, combined with the stability of the Section 8 program, ensures a reliable income stream for landlords. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to secure steady returns on their investments.
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.