Location: Marion 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $184,756 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $232,649 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $274,415 | 0.58% | F |
| 5BR | $1,833 | $330,101 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median household income in Hesston, Kansas (ZIP 67062) stands at $75,143 according to recent Census data. The market rate for rent is listed at $689 per month, which makes housing relatively affordable for most residents. However, when comparing this figure to the Federal Market Rate (FMR) set at $880 for fiscal year 2024, it becomes evident that there is a significant discrepancy between the market rate and the voucher payment standard.
In Hesston, where 43.9% of the population are renters, this gap has notable implications for the local rental market. The population of 3,970 means that approximately 1,740 households are looking for rental properties. Given the disparity between the $689 market rate and the $880 voucher payment, landlords have an opportunity to attract tenants who qualify for housing vouchers, potentially securing higher monthly rents compared to the market average.
The affordability gap suggests that landlords might face competition from those willing to accept the lower market rate, but there is also a substantial segment of the market where voucher holders could bridge this gap. Landlords should consider the benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers, including steady rental income and reduced vacancy rates, against the administrative requirements and potential challenges associated with voucher programs.
Takeaway: For landlords in Hesston, the decision to accept Section 8 vouchers versus relying on cash-paying tenants should be based on the desire for higher, more stable income. Vouchers can provide a buffer against the lower market rate, making them a valuable option in a competitive rental market. However, landlords must weigh this against their willingness to comply with government regulations and oversight that come with participating in the voucher program.
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.