Location: Holt County, NE | Metro: Holt County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 68713 stands at $77,500, which provides a solid foundation for analyzing rental affordability. At a market rate of $738 per month (as reported by the Census ACS), the average household could theoretically manage their housing costs, though it would require careful budgeting. However, when compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard of $960 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026, the gap becomes significant. This suggests that while some renters might find the market rate affordable, they would struggle to meet the higher FMR set by the government for Section 8 vouchers.
The affordability gap means that landlords face stiff competition when seeking tenants who can pay the full FMR. With only 27.7% of the 2,285 residents being renters, the pool of potential voucher recipients is limited, making it challenging to attract enough tenants willing to accept the higher voucher rates. Landlords must weigh the benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers against the risks of reduced tenant pool and the administrative complexities involved.
Landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies should understand that the demand for affordable housing is high, but the supply of eligible tenants is constrained. Accepting Section 8 vouchers can provide a steady stream of rental income, albeit at a lower rate than market expectations. On the other hand, relying on cash-paying tenants might yield higher immediate returns but comes with the risk of vacancy if the market rate exceeds what most renters can afford. The takeaway is that landlords should diversify their approach, perhaps offering a mix of properties that cater to both voucher and cash-paying tenants, to ensure a stable and sustainable income stream.
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.