Location: Dodge County, NE | Metro: Cuming County, NE
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,110 | $172,054 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $262,725 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Scribner, NE, located in ZIP code 68057, is a small rural community with a total population of 1,379 residents. The area has a relatively low percentage of renters at 20.5%, indicating that it is primarily a homeowner-centric neighborhood. However, the median income in the region stands at $74,213, which is quite favorable compared to many rural areas, suggesting a stable economic base. The median home value in Scribner is $236,587, reflecting a modest yet comfortable living standard for homeowners.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,020. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a rental property under the Section 8 program. In contrast, the current market rent as per the Census American Community Survey (ACS) is $925. This indicates that there is a slight premium available for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program, as they can potentially command higher rents than the current market rate.
The question then becomes whether this ZIP code is suitable for a hands-off voucher operator or requires a more hands-on approach from a value-add buyer. Given the low percentage of renters and the modest economic conditions, a hands-off strategy might be more appropriate. Landlords can benefit from the slightly higher FMR without needing to invest heavily in property improvements or management. However, a value-add buyer could also find opportunities by targeting the rental market and offering properties that meet the needs of lower-income tenants while still adhering to the Section 8 guidelines. This could involve making strategic upgrades to properties to attract tenants and ensure compliance with the program's requirements.
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.