Location: Lane County, KS | Metro: Finney 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $880 | $117,266 | 0.75% | D |
| 2BR | $1,150 | $179,035 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $225,694 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $278,938 | 0.68% | D |
| 5BR | $2,216 | $333,107 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Garden City, KS, located in the heart of Kansas, is a small city that offers a stable rental market for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The area is characterized by its modest size and a mix of residential and commercial properties, making it a suitable location for investment.
Investors considering the Garden City, KS market should note the discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rent, which could indicate room for price adjustments. The moderate median home value suggests that the area is not overly expensive, making it accessible for various types of investments. With a renter share of 36.3%, there is a notable demand for rental properties. However, the longer days on market indicate challenges in tenant acquisition, which might require strategic marketing or lowering rents to attract residents. The median income provides assurance regarding the financial capability of the local population to afford rent, but investors must balance this against the current market rates to ensure profitability.
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.