Location: Cherokee County, KS | Metro: Cherokee County, KS HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 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 | $990 | $84,501 | 1.17% | B |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $168,021 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $1,300 | $218,261 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
880 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66725 in Columbus, KS, for metro fiscal year 2026, setting a benchmark for rental prices in the area. 803 is the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS, indicating that properties in this ZIP code are currently renting below the FMR. With a median home value of 127,837, Columbus, KS offers a relatively affordable market for both homeowners and investors. The renter share stands at 25.0%, suggesting a moderate demand for rental properties. The median income of 48,443 provides insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants, which is crucial for determining eligibility under the Section 8 program. Although the days on market (DOM) data is not available, the low price-cut share of 0.3% indicates that homes in Columbus, KS are generally selling at their listed prices, reflecting a stable housing market. This stability, combined with the discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent, presents an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to potentially increase rental rates while still remaining competitive. However, the difference between the FMR and market rent also implies that there might be room for improvement in aligning local rents with the HUD guidelines, which could benefit Section 8 participants seeking housing. In conclusion, given the data, Columbus, KS appears to be a viable market for Section 8 participation, offering a balance between affordability and demand.
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.