Location: Woodson County, KS | Metro: Wilson County, KS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should invest in ZIP code 66717 for Section 8 properties, follow these steps:
Step 1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
Step 2: Market Rent Comparison
Step 3: Demand Analysis
Based on the provided data, the FMR of $880 per month must first be assessed against the debt service of a property priced at $87,430. If the FMR does not sufficiently cover the debt service, the answer is a clear No.
If the FMR adequately covers the debt service, the next consideration is whether the market rent is above, at, or below the FMR. With the market rent being N/A, landlords must research local rental rates. If the FMR is notably higher than what the market offers, it suggests a good opportunity for Section 8 properties, leading to a Yes.
In cases where the FMR matches or is less than the market rent, the analysis shifts to demand. With only 1.5% of the population identified as renters and the DOM unspecified, landlords need to investigate further into the rental market to gauge demand. If the demand is robust despite the low percentage of renters, the decision might still lean towards Yes. However, without concrete data on DOM and a deeper understanding of the local rental environment, the final answer is It Depends.
Investors should also consider the overall economic health of the area, crime rates, school quality, and accessibility to public transportation and amenities. These factors, combined with the financial metrics, will provide a comprehensive view necessary for making an informed investment decision.
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.