Location: Topeka, 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 | $1,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,915 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $161,613 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $216,864 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,300 | $261,462 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 66414, located in Carbondale, KS, is part of the Topeka, KS MSA metro area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $880, which is notably higher than the market rent figure of $617. This suggests that the federal government has established a higher threshold for rental assistance in this area compared to what the local market typically demands.
The median home value in ZIP 66414 stands at $204,495, which is lower than the average home value seen across typical ZIP codes within the Topeka MSA. This indicates that the housing stock in Carbondale tends to be less expensive than the broader metro area, potentially offering an opportunity for landlords and investors looking for properties with a lower entry cost.
The renter share in ZIP 66414 is 16.6%, which is relatively low compared to many urban areas but could still represent a significant portion of the rental market. When combined with the disparity between the FMR and market rent, it points to a potential value pocket for Section 8 participants. The higher FMR allows for greater rental income certainty for landlords who participate in the program, even if the market rent is lower.
Topeka's MSA ZIP codes generally have a mix of home values and rental rates, but the specific figures for ZIP 66414 suggest it is a mid-tier neighborhood, leaning towards being a value pocket. The lower home values and the gap between FMR and market rent indicate that while it isn't a premium sub-market, it offers solid opportunities for those seeking affordable housing investments or rental properties that can benefit from Section 8 subsidies.
A key point of interest is the divergence between the high FMR and the lower market rent, along with the modest renter share. This combination often signifies a sweet spot for Section 8 landlords, as they can secure a higher guaranteed rent through the subsidy program, which may exceed the typical market rate, thus providing a competitive advantage over non-subsidized rentals.
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.