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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $261,154 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP 68643 reveals several potential challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors entering the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with market rents at $890 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,000 for FY 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants may be more likely to move when they find higher-paying jobs or alternative housing options, leading to frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue, as the Days on Market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating an incomplete dataset. However, given the lower market rent relative to the FMR, there's a possibility of higher vacancy rates during periods when Section 8 funding is delayed or insufficient. Landlords must be prepared for the financial strain that prolonged vacancies can cause, especially if they rely heavily on rental income.
Deferred maintenance is a notable risk factor, considering the typical home value of $281,406 and the median income of $77,125. These figures suggest that homeowners, including landlords, may struggle to maintain properties adequately due to limited financial resources. Over time, this could lead to costly repairs and renovations that impact profitability and property appeal.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 12.7% is a positive indicator. High renter density often correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of tenants for Section 8 properties. This demand helps mitigate some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and vacancy exposure, ensuring a more consistent cash flow for landlords.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.