Location: Stanton County, NE | Metro: Colfax 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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $162,920 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $304,565 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $341,689 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 68629, encompassing Clarkson, NE, presents a nuanced picture for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value at $268,019, the market signals stability, but the absence of percentage reductions in listings and the median days on market (DOM) data suggest a lack of urgency among sellers. This implies that landlords and investors can maintain their current pricing levels without significant adjustments.
The rental market offers a compelling contrast. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1,020, whereas the current market rent stands at $608. This substantial gap indicates potential for rental income growth, provided the local economy supports such an increase. Investors should monitor economic indicators closely to ensure the demand for higher rents aligns with the community's financial health.
For long-term hold investors, the setup suggests a cautious approach. The median home value, while stable, does not indicate robust appreciation potential based on the available data. The lack of recent price reductions and days on market figures means there isn't strong evidence of either rising or falling prices. However, the disparity between the current market rent and the projected FMR points towards a possible shift in the rental market, which could indirectly influence property values as rental yields become more attractive.
To summarize, the current state of the real estate market in Clarkson, NE, allows landlords and investors to maintain pricing power, but the appreciation thesis remains uncertain. The focus should be on the rental market dynamics, where there appears to be room for growth. Investors should consider the balance between holding properties for capital appreciation and leveraging them for rental income, given the current figures and projections.
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.