Location: Saline County, NE | Metro: Gage 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $178,336 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $218,665 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 68341, located in De Witt, Nebraska, is centered around the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $960, while the Census ACS data indicates an average market rent of $825. This creates a gap of $135, or approximately 16.4%, between what the government deems fair and what the market is currently offering.
In this scenario, where the FMR exceeds the market rent, landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage this situation to maximize yields. By accepting Section 8 vouchers, they ensure a steady stream of rental income that is higher than the prevailing market rate. Given that only 10.5% of residents are renters and the median home value stands at $231,782, the demand for rental properties is relatively low compared to homeownership. However, the median income in De Witt is $82,917, which suggests that many potential tenants would struggle to afford market-rate rents without assistance.
The higher FMR compared to the market rent means that voucher holders can secure housing at rates above the local average, providing landlords with a consistent and reliable source of income. This makes properties in ZIP 68341 particularly attractive for those seeking stable cash flows, as the government subsidizes the difference between the market rate and the FMR. Therefore, accepting Section 8 vouchers is a strategic move that can enhance investment returns in a market where rental demand is lower and incomes are modest.
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.