Location: Rooks County, KS | Metro: Phillips 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $71,239 | 1.39% | A |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $155,734 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $186,445 | 0.78% | D |
| 5BR | $1,694 | $197,695 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 67661 in Kansas presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant issue, with the market rent at $702 being notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $920 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This disparity suggests that tenants might prefer higher-rent properties, leading to frequent turnover and the associated costs of finding new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the Days on Market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating a lack of recent data on how quickly rental units are filled. This uncertainty can be problematic for landlords who need consistent cash flow to cover their mortgage payments and maintenance expenses.
Deferred-maintenance exposure is also high due to the typical home value of $124,461 and the median income of $60,925. These figures suggest that homeowners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and upgrades, which could translate into similar issues for rental properties if not properly managed. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular maintenance to ensure the property remains habitable and meets Section 8 requirements.
Despite these risks, there is a silver lining. The renter share stands at 21.1%, which is relatively high and indicates a dense population of renters. High renter density often correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, potentially providing a steady stream of qualified tenants for Section 8 properties.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.