Location: Topeka, KS | Metro: Lawrence, 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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $271,682 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $360,041 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,790 | $459,255 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Berryton, KS, only 1.2% of residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied market. The median home value stands at $365,701, while the median household income is $104,604. These figures suggest that the local economy supports homeownership over renting.
Given the lack of precise market rent data for ZIP 66409, landlords and small-portfolio investors must rely on regional trends to inform their decisions. Typically, if the FMR exceeds the market rent, it can be advantageous for voucher tenants as it provides a higher guaranteed income, making properties more attractive for investment. Conversely, if the market rent is higher than the FMR, landlords may face a shortfall when renting to voucher tenants, as they will receive less than the open-market rate.
To make informed decisions, investors should consider consulting local real estate agents or accessing detailed regional rental market reports. These resources can provide more accurate comparisons between FMR and actual market rents, helping to assess potential yields and risks associated with Section 8 properties in ZIP 66409.
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.