Location: Crawford County, KS | Metro: Crawford County, KS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,192 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,455 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 66735, located in Crawford County, KS metro, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026, which is slightly below the market rent of $1,066 as reported by the Census ACS. This means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers will experience marginal cash flow at the FMR rate. To achieve positive cash flow, they would need to offer premium units or negotiate higher rents within the voucher program's guidelines.
The median home value in the area is $144,782. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, which is an important metric for understanding the local housing market dynamics. The ratio is approximately 1:140, indicating that it takes about 140 months, or roughly 11.7 years, to pay off the median home value through rental income alone. This suggests that the local real estate market leans towards stability rather than rapid appreciation.
Given the limited data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that undergo price cuts, it is challenging to draw definitive conclusions on the rent-versus-buy dynamics. However, the slight disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent suggests a balanced market where both options can be viable depending on individual investment goals.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 66735 is stability. With a relatively low median home value and a modest rent-to-price ratio, the area offers a predictable and stable investment environment, ideal for those seeking consistent returns without the volatility often associated with rapidly appreciating 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.