Location: Sumner County, KS | Metro: Wichita, 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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,146 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,596 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $198,945 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $260,431 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,850 | $314,117 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 67026, which includes Clearwater, KS, Sedgwick County, and Sumner County, KS HUD Metro FMR Area, is set at $1090 for fiscal year 2024. In comparison, the Census ACS reports an average market rent of $988 for the same area. This indicates that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect to cashflow positively at the HUD FMR rate, as it exceeds the local market rent by $102 per month.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $263,896. Using the HUD FMR of $1090, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.49%, suggesting that rental income is relatively low compared to property values. However, this does not necessarily mean poor investment returns, as the positive cashflow from Section 8 vouchers compensates for the lower rent-to-price ratio.
In terms of the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, the data shows these metrics as N/A, indicating a lack of recent sales data to provide a comprehensive picture of the buy-versus-rent dynamics. Nonetheless, the positive cashflow from voucher tenants is a strong indicator of financial stability and predictability, which are key factors for small-portfolio investors.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 67026 is cashflow. Landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can reliably generate positive cashflow from their properties, making it an attractive option for those focused on steady rental income rather than speculative appreciation.
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.