Location: Crawford County, KS | Metro: Bourbon County, KS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 66711, located within the Crawford County, KS metro area, presents an interesting mix of economic indicators that set it apart from other ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66711 is pegged at $880 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the market rent figure of $775. This suggests that the federal guidelines for affordable housing are setting a higher benchmark for rental costs compared to what the local market is currently offering.
The lack of available data on home values in ZIP 66711 indicates that homeownership may be less prevalent or that the area is predominantly focused on rentals. This is further supported by the 24.2% renter share, which is notably higher than the average for Crawford County, KS ZIP codes. Typically, ZIP codes with a significant renter population and lower-than-metro home values are considered attractive for Section 8 investments due to the alignment between federal subsidies and local rental prices.
Given the higher FMR relative to the market rent, ZIP 66711 can be seen as a value pocket within the Crawford County, KS metro. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of the potential for receiving higher rental subsidies while maintaining competitive market rates. This scenario could lead to improved cash flows and a more stable tenant base, as Section 8 vouchers help cover the rent for low-income households.
To summarize, the combination of a higher FMR, a market rent below the FMR, and a substantial renter share makes ZIP 66711 a promising area for Section 8 investments. It offers opportunities for investors who are looking to benefit from federal assistance programs without facing the challenges associated with higher-priced markets.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.