Location: Brown 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 | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $79,882 | 1.2% | A |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $141,110 | 0.89% | C |
| 4BR | $1,350 | $203,411 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 66439, located in Horton, KS, within the Brown County, KS metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66439 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This amount represents the maximum rent subsidy that a tenant participating in the Section 8 program can receive for a unit of a given size. In contrast, the current market rent for a similar unit is approximately $587. The difference between these two figures, or the spread, is $293. This positive spread indicates that landlords can expect to receive an additional $293 per month above the market rate for each eligible Section 8 tenant.
The median home value in ZIP 66439 is $103,479, which is relatively low compared to many other areas. This makes it easier for landlords to acquire properties at a lower cost, thereby maximizing their return on investment. Additionally, the low median home value suggests that there is a significant portion of the population that may qualify for the Section 8 program due to lower incomes. The median household income in ZIP 66439 is $53,348, but the estimated per capita income in 2024 is only $25,591, indicating a wide disparity in income levels and a potential high demand for affordable housing options.
The renter share in ZIP 66439 is 36.4%, meaning nearly one-third of the residents are renters, likely including those who rely on government assistance such as Section 8 vouchers. Given the positive spread between FMR and market rent, landlords can secure steady, reliable cash flow from tenants whose rent is subsidized, knowing they will receive the higher FMR rate regardless of market fluctuations.
ZIP 66439 is not ideal for an appreciation play as there is no significant percentage increase in home values projected, nor does it have a notable price-cut share or days on market (DOM) figures. However, the area's characteristics make it a strong candidate for a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy, providing consistent income through the guaranteed higher FMR 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.