Location: Sumner County, KS | Metro: Sumner County, KS HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $680 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $119,696 | 0.8% | C |
| 3BR | $1,170 | $199,194 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,270 | $248,126 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for zip code 67013 in Belle Plaine, KS, for fiscal year 2024, landlords can expect a significant alignment between government rental assistance and local market conditions. The Census ACS reports a market rent of $770, indicating that properties priced at the FMR level will be well-positioned to attract tenants with Section 8 vouchers. A median home value of $184,617 suggests a stable housing market where investment opportunities abound, particularly in rental properties. With a 30.5% share of renters in the area, there is a notable demand for affordable housing options, making it an opportune time for landlords to consider properties within this price range.
The median income of $69,831 provides insight into the financial capabilities of potential tenants, ensuring a steady stream of applicants who qualify for Section 8 assistance. While the day DOM (Days on Market) and percentage price-cut share data are not available, the combination of a favorable FMR and market rent makes Belle Plaine an attractive location for investors looking to capitalize on the demand for subsidized housing. The gap between the FMR and market rent also allows for flexibility in pricing strategies, enabling landlords to adjust their rents slightly above the market rate without deterring voucher holders.
Investors should note that the disparity between the FMR and market rent offers a unique opportunity to balance profitability with accessibility. Properties that are priced at the FMR level of $960 can command higher rents compared to the average market rent of $770, thus providing a buffer against inflation and maintenance costs. Additionally, the relatively low median income of $69,831 underscores the importance of Section 8 vouchers in facilitating tenancy, ensuring that the program remains a critical component of the local rental landscape.
Belle Plaine's median home value of $184,617, combined with the 30.5% renter share, indicates a robust rental market that is likely to continue growing as more individuals seek affordable housing solutions. Landlords who offer units at or near the FMR of $960 will find themselves in high demand, especially among those relying on the $770 market rent for their living expenses. This scenario presents a clear path for landlords to achieve both financial stability and social impact through Section 8 participation.
Verdict: Belle Plaine, KS, is a strong candidate for Section 8 investment, with a favorable FMR and market rent alignment supporting profitable yet accessible rental offerings.
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.