Location: Dickinson County, KS | Metro: Dickinson County, KS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 67482, which encompasses Talmage, KS, presents several key considerations for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the Section 8 housing market. Let's address common objections to investing in this area.
Objection 1: Will FMR $880 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a home?
While the data does not provide an explicit forecast for home values in ZIP 67482, it is instructive to look at broader regional trends. For instance, the average home value in nearby South Haven, MI, is projected to be $368,537 by March 2026, with a slight increase of 1.9% over the past year. Given that home values in rural Kansas tend to be lower than those in Michigan, it is reasonable to assume that a home in ZIP 67482 could be financed with a mortgage that the FMR of $880 might cover. However, the actual mortgage amount will depend on the specific property, interest rates, and down payment. To make a precise determination, one would need to consult local real estate listings and mortgage calculators.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 0.0%?
Data from UnitedStatesZipCodes.org indicates that ZIP 67482 has a slightly higher than average percentage of vacancies. This suggests that there might not be strong demand for rental properties, particularly if the vacancy rate is high. However, it's important to note that the overall population density in this area is slightly lower than average, which can impact vacancy rates. To better understand the local rental market, one should review current listings and occupancy rates. For example, Trulia reports 123 rental properties in the area, indicating some level of demand. Yet, the exact demand figure is not available, making it challenging to quantify without additional research.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with market rents?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Data Dashboard from HUD.gov provides insights into the national and state-level trends regarding voucher usage and funding. While it does not offer specific data for ZIP 67482, it is crucial to monitor how well the voucher amounts align with the local market rents. According to the FMR Lookup Tool, the fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 67482 is $880. If the local market rents rise above this amount, landlords may face challenges in covering their costs. Conversely, if market rents remain stable or decrease, the voucher amount could adequately cover expenses. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities offers annual data on voucher utilization by state and local housing agencies, which can help gauge the likelihood of vouchers keeping pace with market rents.
In conclusion, while the data provides some context, it is limited in addressing specific concerns about ZIP 67482. A thorough analysis would require more granular data on home values, rental demand, and the local performance of Section 8 vouchers. Nonetheless, the available information suggests that careful consideration and local market research are essential before making investment decisions.
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.