Location: Thayer County, NE | Metro: Fillmore County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 68453 centers around the discrepancy between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. However, the market rent is listed as N/A, which suggests a lack of recent data or significant variation in rental prices that makes it difficult to establish a clear average.
In the absence of a defined market rent, we must consider the implications of the FMR being the benchmark rate. Given that the FMR is $960, any landlord accepting Section 8 vouchers in this area is effectively agreeing to rent their property at this fixed rate. This creates a situation where landlords must decide whether the guaranteed income from voucher tenants justifies potentially renting below the open-market rate, should such data become available.
The context of the area provides further insight into the decision-making process for landlords. With only 7.0% of residents identified as renters, the demand for rental properties might be lower compared to areas with a higher percentage of renters. Additionally, the median household income stands at $83,750, indicating a relatively affluent community where homeownership could be more prevalent or affordable.
Despite the limited market rent data, landlords should be aware that accepting Section 8 vouchers can turn a property into a yield play. This means that while the income from voucher tenants is guaranteed and stable, it might not reflect the full market value of the property. The decision to participate in the Section 8 program should be made after considering the broader economic context of the area and the potential for higher yields through open-market rentals if the opportunity arises.
To summarize, the FMR of $960 sets a baseline for rental income in ZIP 68453, but without specific market rent figures, landlords must weigh the benefits of guaranteed income against the possibility of renting at higher rates when the market stabilizes or data becomes more reliable.
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.