Location: Lyon 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $133,030 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $176,315 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 66854, Hartford, KS, presents a unique scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $241,411, indicating a stable housing market that has not seen significant reductions in listing prices. This stability suggests that there is a solid base of demand for both homeownership and rental properties in the area.
The median days on market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable, which can imply either a highly efficient market where homes sell quickly, or a less active market where sales occur sporadically without clear trends. However, given the median home value and the absence of widespread price reductions, it is reasonable to infer that the market is steady, favoring sellers who maintain competitive pricing strategies.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $880, compared to the current market rate of $713 based on Census ACS data. This indicates an upward trend in rental values, suggesting that landlords who invest in properties now could benefit from future increases in rental income. The gap between the current market rate and the projected FMR signals potential for growth, especially if economic conditions improve or if there is an increase in population or job opportunities in the region.
For long-hold investors, the setup in ZIP 66854 implies a realistic appreciation thesis. With the median home value holding steady and the potential for rental rates to rise closer to the projected FMR, properties in this area could see gradual increases in their market value over the next 12 to 24 months. Investors should consider the local economic factors, such as employment rates and industry presence, to gauge the sustainability of this appreciation.
The combination of a stable median home value and the potential for rising rental rates provides a compelling argument for investment in ZIP 66854. Landlords and investors can expect a balanced market that favors those who offer well-maintained properties at fair prices, ensuring steady occupancy and rental income growth over time.
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.