Location: Saline County, NE | Metro: Lincoln, NE HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $570,279 | 0.21% | F |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $601,048 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 68339, encompassing Denton, NE, Lancaster County, and Saline County, presents a unique opportunity for real estate investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $940 per month for the fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the average market rent at $1,055 per month. This discrepancy means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will typically experience negative cash flow unless they can secure premium units with higher rents.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $600,013. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. At the HUD FMR of $940, the annual rent would be approximately $11,280, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of about 1.88%. This ratio suggests that the rental market is relatively weak compared to the home values, indicating that the area may favor homeownership over renting.
However, the dynamics of the rental market versus buying do not significantly impact the decision-making process for landlords in ZIP 68339 due to the lack of available data on median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts shared. These metrics would provide insight into the liquidity and competitiveness of the local real estate market, but their absence means we must rely on other factors for our analysis.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is likely stability. Despite the negative cash flow associated with Section 8 vouchers at the HUD FMR, the consistent demand for affordable housing and the guaranteed payment through the voucher program offer a reliable income stream. Additionally, the high median home value implies a strong underlying economy and property appreciation potential over the long term, making ZIP 68339 a stable investment choice for those willing to accept lower immediate returns in exchange for long-term security and growth.
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.