Location: Wheeler County, NE | Metro: Antelope County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 68735 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this area. However, it's important to understand how this payment is structured and what it means for landlords.
The local market rent, according to the Census ACS data, is $671 for a two-bedroom unit. This lower figure reflects the average rent paid by tenants without vouchers in the same area. When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, plus any applicable utility allowances.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,000. Thirty percent of this income is $300, which the tenant must contribute towards the rent. If the utility allowance is $100, then the total contribution from the tenant would be $400. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR of $960, is covered by the Section 8 program. In this case, the voucher would cover $560 ($960 - $400).
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment priced at the SAFMR of $960, a landlord would receive the full $960 per month. However, if the landlord charges below the SAFMR, say $800, the voucher would still cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent charged, resulting in the landlord receiving $800.
Given the local market rent of $671, landlords who charge the SAFMR of $960 would see a significant surplus. For instance, if a landlord charges $960 and the tenant contributes $400, the landlord receives the full $960. This results in a surplus of $289 per month over the local market rent ($960 - $671).
In summary, landlords in ZIP code 68735 can expect to receive a guaranteed payment of up to $960 for a two-bedroom apartment when using a Section 8 voucher, regardless of the tenant's contribution. This system ensures stable rental income but also creates a potential surplus when compared to the local market rent, benefiting landlords who choose to participate in the program.
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.