Location: Woodson County, KS | Metro: Coffey County, KS
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,150 | $211,748 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of Section 8 real estate in ZIP 66852 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR is $880, while the Census ACS reports the market rent at $714. This gap amounts to $166, or approximately 23%, indicating that the FMR is higher than the market rent.
In this scenario, where FMR exceeds market rent, voucher tenants can be seen as a yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The difference of $166 per month ensures a higher return compared to renting at the open-market rate. With 34.5% of the population being renters and a median home value of $196,917, there is a strong demand for affordable housing options.
The median household income in ZIP 66852 is $61,417, which aligns with the affordability of the FMR. However, it's important to note that accepting Section 8 vouchers involves compliance with HUD regulations and potential scrutiny regarding property conditions and maintenance. Despite these considerations, the financial incentive of renting above the market rate makes Section 8 a viable option for increasing rental yields.
Landlords should be aware of the administrative requirements and ensure their properties meet the necessary standards to qualify for Section 8 tenancy. Given the gap and the local demographics, the potential for higher returns outweighs the challenges, making Section 8 a strategic choice for investment in ZIP 66852.
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.