Location: Pawnee County, NE | Metro: Pawnee County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68441, located in Pawnee County, NE metro, reveals several key points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set for fiscal year 2026, is $960. However, the market rent is listed as N/A, which suggests a lack of recent data on actual rental rates. Without current market rent figures, it's challenging to determine if the FMR accurately reflects what tenants are willing to pay. Landlords must be cautious and seek out updated local rental data to ensure they are pricing their units correctly.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 68441 is $307,193. With no data available on the number of days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes needing a price cut, it's difficult to assess how competitive the housing market is. Nonetheless, the median home value provides a baseline for investment costs, indicating that property purchases in this area will require significant capital. Investors should carefully evaluate their financial capacity and the potential for rental income against these high acquisition costs.
The third point of interest is the tenant demand. The total population of the ZIP code is 133, with a renter share of 12.3%. This low number of potential renters could pose challenges for landlords, as it limits the pool of tenants who might be interested in renting properties. Given the small population, it's crucial for landlords to understand the local economy and job market to gauge the stability of tenant demand.
Verdict: While the median home value in ZIP 68441 presents a substantial barrier to entry for acquisition, the limited tenant base and absence of current market rent data introduce significant risk. Landlords and investors must proceed with caution, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the local rental dynamics and economic conditions before making any investments. The success of a rental property in this area hinges critically on the ability to accurately price units and attract a stable tenant base, despite the small population size.
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.