Location: Stafford County, KS | Metro: Reno 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $61,841 | 1.55% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $119,490 | 1.05% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental market in ZIP 67578, which encompasses Stafford, Kansas, presents a complex landscape for both renters and landlords. The median household income stands at $53,750, while the market rate for rent is reported at $726 per month according to Census ACS data. This places significant financial strain on residents, as it represents nearly 17% of their annual income dedicated solely to housing costs. For context, a general rule of thumb suggests that no more than 30% of a household's income should be spent on rent.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $880. This higher figure indicates that the market rate in Stafford is below the federally recognized standard, suggesting a potential opportunity for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. Voucher holders could find the local market rate more affordable than the FMR they are accustomed to, making Stafford an attractive option.
With 23.1% of the 1,104 population being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low. However, the affordability gap between median income and market rent means that many households might struggle to cover housing expenses without assistance. Landlords who are willing to accept Section 8 vouchers can tap into a segment of the market that otherwise would not be able to afford local rents.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: accepting vouchers can expand your tenant pool, especially given the financial constraints faced by many local households. While voucher payments might not align perfectly with the market rate, they provide a steady stream of income and access to tenants who value the stability and affordability of Stafford's rental market.
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.