Location: Polk County, NE | Metro: Merrick County, NE HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,580 | $292,046 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code also features a median income of $58,438, which suggests that there is a reasonable demand for affordable housing options. With a 7.6% renter share, the majority of residents own their homes, but this still leaves room for rental properties to cater to those who cannot afford to buy.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers are important components of a well-rounded real estate investment portfolio, ZIP 68628's primary strength lies in its ability to provide consistent cash flow. The significant difference between the FMR and market rent ensures that landlords can receive higher payments through Section 8 vouchers, thereby covering mortgage costs, maintenance, and other expenses with a buffer for profit.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on acquiring properties in ZIP 68628 that can benefit from this cash-flow advantage. By securing units at or below the market rate of $792, they can take full advantage of the higher FMR payment of $1070, ensuring steady and reliable returns.
In conclusion, ZIP 68628 is an ideal choice for a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The substantial spread between the FMR and market rent allows for profitable investments that can sustain and grow a landlord's financial position over time.
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.