Location: Russell County, KS | Metro: Ellsworth 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $90,236 | 1.17% | B |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $138,417 | 0.92% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 67490, Wilson, Kansas, is set at $990 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which covers the housing assistance for low-income families. It's important to note that this $990 is the payment standard, meaning it’s the amount the government will pay toward your tenant’s rent, not necessarily what you should set as the total rent.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Wilson, KS, based on recent Census data, is around $716. This means that participating in the Section 8 program could potentially allow you to receive a higher monthly payment compared to the market average, though it won't be above the $990 limit.
With a 20.7% share of renters in the area, there is a solid demand for rental properties. This percentage indicates that over one-fifth of households are looking for places to rent, making the rental market active and competitive.
If you're planning to acquire a property in this area for a Section 8 rental, the median home value of $115,050 gives you an idea of the potential purchase price. This figure can help you assess whether the investment aligns with your financial goals and if the monthly income from the Section 8 voucher will cover your mortgage payments and other expenses.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, ensure that the property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and must be met for the unit to be eligible for the program. Verifying HQS compliance is critical because it directly affects your ability to participate in the program and receive the stipulated monthly payments.
In summary, the $990 FMR offers a clear guideline for the maximum rent you can charge through the Section 8 program, while the local average rent of $716 suggests a potentially higher income compared to non-subsidized rentals. The 20.7% renter share indicates a steady demand for rental properties, and the median home value of $115,050 provides insight into the acquisition cost. To proceed, confirm that your property complies with HUD’s HQS to ensure eligibility.
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.