Location: Fillmore County, NE | Metro: Clay 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $171,623 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $1,610 | $236,302 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape in ZIP code 68436, NE, presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 participation. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as the market rent of $850 is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,190 for the metro area in FY 2026. This disparity can lead to higher turnover rates, since tenants might prefer to move to properties that offer closer alignment with the FMR. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a risk due to the lack of available data on days on market (DOM), which makes it difficult to predict how quickly a property might fill. The typical home value of $192,115 and median income of $72,969 also pose a challenge, as they suggest a higher likelihood of deferred maintenance, given the relatively high cost of housing compared to the median income.
Despite these risks, there are factors that mitigate the overall investment risk. The renter share of 13.8% indicates a high concentration of renters in the area, which typically translates into robust demand for rental properties, including those accepting Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the risk of prolonged vacancies.
In summary, the combination of potential tenant turnover, uncertain vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance risks must be weighed against the strong renter demand. Given these considerations, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 68436, NE, is moderate.
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.