Location: Brown County, KS | Metro: Brown County, KS
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $124,328 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,190 | $184,787 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $227,469 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 66434, located in Hiawatha, Kansas, can be analyzed based on yield and stability metrics. Yield is determined by comparing the Fair Market Rent (FMR) to the median home value. For ZIP 66434, the FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is $890, while the market rent is $625. The median home value is $168,545. Stability factors include the percentage of renters, the average number of days on the market (DOM), and the median household income.
The yield in ZIP 66434 is relatively low. With a median home value of $168,545, an investment property would generate a rental income of approximately $625 per month based on market conditions. This equates to an annual rental income of $7,500, which translates into an approximate yield of 4.45%. If using the higher FMR figure of $890, the annual rental income would be $10,680, leading to a yield of about 6.34%. However, these yields are below average compared to national standards, indicating that this is not a high-yield market.
Regarding stability, ZIP 66434 shows mixed signals. The area has 20.9% of residents as renters, which is lower than many metropolitan areas but still provides a consistent demand for rental properties. Unfortunately, the lack of data on the average number of days on the market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess the speed at which properties are rented out. The median household income of $76,613 suggests that there is sufficient financial capacity among residents to support rental payments, contributing positively to the stability of the market.
Based on these figures, ZIP 66434 is best classified as a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The relatively low percentage of renters and the moderate rental income suggest a stable but not particularly lucrative environment for short-term speculative investments. Long-term investors seeking reliable returns would find this ZIP code suitable due to its stable income levels and predictable demand for rental housing.
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.