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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,239 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,508 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,709 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,844 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,920 | $195,531 | 0.98% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 68424 in Saline County, NE, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220, while the market rent stands at $875. This indicates a substantial spread favoring landlords who participate in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 68424 is $199,825, which is relatively low compared to broader metropolitan areas. This makes it an attractive location for investors looking to secure steady, government-backed rental income. By leveraging the higher FMR rate, landlords can ensure a reliable cash flow that exceeds the typical market rent, thereby anchoring their investment portfolio against market fluctuations.
While there is a 17.1% renter share and median income of $68,654, these factors do not outweigh the benefits of the significant spread between the FMR and market rent. Therefore, focusing on ZIP 68424 as a cash-flow anchor is a prudent strategy for landlords and small-portfolio investors participating in the Section 8 program.
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.