Location: Washington County, KS | Metro: Washington County, KS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if you should buy in ZIP code 66946 for Section 8 investments, follow this decision tree based on the provided data.
1) Does FMR ($880) clear debt service on a property?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 66946 in fiscal year 2026 is set at $880. This figure must be compared against the total debt service of any potential property purchase. Debt service includes mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs. If your debt service is less than $880, then the answer is yes; you can cover your expenses with Section 8 payments. If your debt service exceeds $880, the answer is no; the rent will not cover your costs.
2) Is market rent above, at, or below FMR?
The market rent in ZIP 66946 is not specified, but it's crucial to understand where it stands relative to the FMR. If market rents are higher than $880, then you can potentially earn more by renting to non-Section 8 tenants. If market rents are equal to or lower than $880, then relying on Section 8 is more viable since you won't miss out on higher rental income.
3) Are 31.6% renters and N/A-day DOM enough demand?
In ZIP 66946, 31.6% of residents are renters. The Days on Market (DOM) is not specified, but typically, a lower DOM indicates higher demand. If the DOM is low, say under 30 days, it means properties are selling quickly, indicating strong demand. If the DOM is high, over 60 days, it suggests weaker demand. With 31.6% renters, there is a significant pool of potential tenants. However, the strength of demand will depend on the DOM. If the DOM is low, the answer is yes; there is enough demand. If the DOM is high, the answer is no; demand is insufficient. If the DOM is moderate, around 30-60 days, the answer is it depends; you'll need to consider other factors such as competition and vacancy rates.
Based on these criteria, landlords and small-portfolio investors can make an informed decision about purchasing in ZIP 66946 for Section 8 investments.
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.