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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $201,126 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $266,538 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $323,237 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 66088, located in Valley Falls, KS, within the Atchison County, KS metro area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66088 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This figure represents the maximum rental amount that the government will subsidize for low-income tenants participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
In contrast, the market rent for the same period is estimated at $785. This creates a positive spread of $95 per unit, allowing landlords to secure higher rental incomes compared to typical market rates. Additionally, the median home value in ZIP 66088 stands at $252,598, which provides a stable property value base. Given these numbers, landlords can expect a consistent cash flow from properties in this ZIP code, especially when they are part of the Section 8 program.
The absence of a specific percentage for price-cut share and days on market (DOM) suggests that there isn't significant pressure to reduce prices or offer incentives to attract renters, indicating a steady demand for housing in the area. This stability further supports the role of ZIP 66088 as a reliable cash-flow anchor.
While the ZIP code has a renter share of 25.5%, which could be seen as a diversification opportunity, the primary benefit lies in the cash flow it generates. The median income of $75,795 ensures that there is a sufficient pool of potential voucher holders who can afford the subsidized rents, making it less risky for landlords who might otherwise worry about tenant turnover or default.
In conclusion, ZIP 66088 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rent, along with the stable median home values and income levels that support consistent occupancy and rental payments.
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.