Location: Thayer County, NE | Metro: Thayer County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 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 analysis of ZIP code 68327 in Thayer County, Nebraska reveals several key points that can guide real estate investment decisions.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,050. However, the current market rent, based on Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $814. This indicates a discrepancy where the actual market rate falls short of the FMR, suggesting that landlords should expect to rent properties below the FMR to remain competitive. To achieve profitability, landlords must ensure their costs, including property taxes, maintenance, and utilities, do not exceed the $814 market rent.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 68327 stands at $100,787. With a median home value this low, it suggests that purchasing homes in this area is relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, the data does not provide the number of days on the market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that require price cuts to sell. This lack of information makes it challenging to assess how quickly homes can be sold and at what price point, but the low median home value is a positive indicator for acquisition costs.
Tenant demand is another critical factor. ZIP 68327 has a total population of 383, with 24.0% of residents being renters. This means there are approximately 92 renters in the area. Given the small population size, the pool of potential tenants is limited. Landlords will need to focus on maintaining high-quality, affordable rental units to attract and retain these tenants.
In conclusion, while the acquisition cost in ZIP 68327 is affordable at $100,787 median home value, the gap between the FMR of $1,050 and the actual market rent of $814 highlights a challenge in achieving higher rental incomes. Tenant demand exists but is constrained by the small population size. Landlords should aim to keep expenses low and maintain competitive rental rates to succeed in this market. The limited supply of renters underscores the importance of offering attractive and well-maintained properties to ensure occupancy and stable cash flows.
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.