Location: Thurston County, NE | Metro: Thurston County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 68071 presents several challenges that first-time landlords must be aware of. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as the market rent stands at $668 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates, as tenants may seek more affordable housing options outside the Section 8 program. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a critical risk factor, though the exact number of days on market (DOM) is currently unavailable. Landlords should prepare for potentially extended periods of vacancy, which can negatively impact cash flow.
Deferred maintenance exposure is another issue, especially considering the median income in the area is $67,632. With no typical home value data available, it's difficult to gauge the overall financial health of the properties in the region. However, lower incomes generally correlate with less disposable cash for repairs and maintenance, which could lead to higher costs for landlords to keep properties up to code and attractive to potential tenants.
Despite these risks, the ZIP code boasts a high renter share of 57.3%, which typically indicates strong demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. High renter density can help mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover, as there is likely a steady pool of interested tenants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.