Location: Platte County, NE | Metro: Boone 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,290 | $237,576 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 68660 presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median income for households here is $55,577, which means that paying $930 for market-rate rent represents a significant portion of their earnings. To put this into perspective, the monthly housing cost as a percentage of income would be around 20%, assuming typical household expenses and a standard budget allocation. This figure is already pushing the limits of affordability, as generally, spending more than 30% of one’s income on housing is considered financially stressful.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $960 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 is slightly higher than the current market rate but still within reach for many households. However, it highlights the tight margins renters face when trying to find affordable housing. For those relying on Section 8 vouchers, the difference between the market rate and the FMR is minimal, suggesting that voucher holders can find housing options that meet their needs without much difficulty.
With only 15.3% of the 893 residents being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low. This low rental rate indicates that there might not be a large pool of potential tenants looking for housing, which could mean that landlords have to be strategic in how they price their units and attract tenants. Given the affordability gap, landlords should consider the value proposition of accepting Section 8 vouchers over seeking cash-paying tenants.
The takeaway for landlords is that while the market rate is close to the FMR, the limited number of renters in ZIP 68660 suggests that attracting tenants might require flexibility. Accepting Section 8 vouchers can ensure a steady stream of reliable rent payments, albeit at a fixed rate that might be slightly above the current market. On the other hand, targeting cash-paying tenants could offer higher rents but also increased risk due to the financial constraints faced by many households. Landlords should weigh these factors carefully and possibly diversify their tenant mix to balance risk and reward.
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.