Location: Ottawa County, KS | Metro: Cloud 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $82,670 | 1.21% | A |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $145,651 | 0.87% | C |
| 4BR | $1,480 | $185,815 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
23.0% of residents in ZIP 67455, Lincoln, KS, are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties in the area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $940, which is notably higher than the market rent reported by the Census ACS at $618. This discrepancy suggests an opportunity for landlords to increase rents without exceeding what is considered fair by HUD standards. The median home value stands at $117,981, making it an affordable market for both homeowners and investors looking to purchase rental properties. However, the median income of $56,635 might limit the ability of some tenants to afford higher rents, even if they are within the FMR guidelines.
The data does not provide specific insights into the days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut, which could be crucial for understanding the local real estate market's health and competition levels. Despite these missing pieces of information, the gap between the FMR and the actual market rent indicates a potential for landlords to raise their rental rates closer to the HUD-set threshold without alienating tenants.
A strategic approach for landlords and small-portfolio investors would involve targeting properties that can be rented out at or near the $940 FMR while ensuring that they remain attractive to the local tenant pool given the median income level. It's also important to consider the broader economic context and the affordability of housing for the average resident when setting rental prices.
For those interested in Section 8 participation, the higher FMR compared to the current market rent could make the program more viable. Landlords can expect to receive a higher subsidy amount per unit, which aligns better with the $940 FMR rather than the lower $618 market rent. This makes Section 8 participation a financially sound decision for many rental properties in ZIP 67455.
Verdict: Given the favorable FMR and median home values, Section 8 participation is advisable for landlords in ZIP 67455, Lincoln, KS.
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.