Location: Marion County, KS | Metro: Marion 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 | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $112,709 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $1,220 | $165,312 | 0.74% | D |
| 4BR | $1,260 | $230,120 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 66861 in Marion, KS, several potential issues can arise that impact profitability and management efficiency. First, tenant turnover could be higher due to the significant gap between the market rent of $649 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $880 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might seek higher-rent properties outside the program, leading to frequent moves and increased administrative costs.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average days on market (DOM) is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant. However, with a median home value of $142,203 and a median income of $60,565, there is a risk of deferred maintenance. Landlords may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements, especially if they are not adequately compensated by the rental subsidy.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 17.2% indicates a robust demand for rental housing, likely translating into strong interest in Section 8 vouchers. This high concentration of renters typically supports a steady stream of voucher holders looking for affordable housing options, mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.