Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 68730 - 2027

Location: Knox County, NE | Metro: Cedar County, NE

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$760
1 Bedroom	$840
2 Bedrooms	$1,040
3 Bedrooms	$1,270
4 Bedrooms	$1,480
5 Bedrooms	$1,717
6 Bedrooms	$1,923
7 Bedrooms	$2,077
8 Bedrooms	$2,181

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,156

Median Household Income

$76,944

Housing Units

1,142

Renter Percentage

12.6%

Occupancy Rate

75.7%

Renter Occupied

109

A landlord considering purchasing a property in ZIP code 68730 for Section 8 purposes must navigate several key factors to make an informed decision. The first step involves assessing whether the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 can cover the debt service on a property valued at $289,877. To determine this, you need to calculate the annual debt service of the property and compare it against the FMR. If the annual debt service is less than $11,520 (12 months * $960), then the answer is yes; otherwise, it's no.

The second question revolves around the relationship between the market rent and the FMR. In ZIP 68730, the market rent is reported to be $725 per month according to Census ACS data. This figure is below the FMR of $960, indicating that there is potential for Section 8 tenants to pay a higher rent than what the market currently offers. However, if the market rent were equal to or above the FMR, the answer would shift towards no, as landlords might find it more profitable to rent to non-Section 8 tenants.

The third factor to consider is the rental demand in ZIP 68730. With 12.6% of residents being renters and the average days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A, the analysis becomes slightly more nuanced. Assuming the N/A for DOM indicates a healthy rental market where properties are leased relatively quickly, the answer to whether there is sufficient demand leans towards yes. However, without specific DOM data, it depends on additional local market insights regarding vacancy rates and tenant turnover.

To summarize:

If the FMR of $960 clears the debt service on a $289,877 property, proceed to the next question. Otherwise, do not purchase for Section 8.
If the market rent of $725 is below the FMR, there is a clear advantage to using the property for Section 8. If it's equal or above, reconsider the investment.
Given the 12.6% rental rate and assuming quick leasing times due to the N/A DOM, there is likely enough demand. For a definitive answer, seek local real estate trends and vacancy rates.

By following this decision tree, landlords and small-portfolio investors can make a strategic choice about purchasing in ZIP 68730 for Section 8 participation based on the financial and market data available.

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.