Location: Wayne County, NE | Metro: Stanton 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,935 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,550 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,728 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,060 | $355,381 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 68740 in Wayne County, Nebraska, reveals a favorable rental environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, as of fiscal year 2026, is set at $1,440. This figure stands slightly above the market rent of $1,344 derived from Census ACS data, indicating that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the HUD FMR rate.
To understand the broader investment landscape, consider the median home value in ZIP 68740, which is $338,948. Using the HUD FMR of $1,440, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.42%, suggesting a relatively low cost of renting compared to owning a home. This ratio is indicative of the rent-vs-buy dynamics in the area, where renting remains an attractive option due to the higher cost of homeownership.
The median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts are not available for this ZIP code. However, given the favorable HUD FMR relative to market rent, it is likely that the rental market is stable and less prone to significant fluctuations. The slight premium offered by the HUD FMR over the market rent means that landlords can expect a steady, albeit modest, positive cash flow when accepting vouchers.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 68740 is cashflow, as the HUD FMR provides a marginal but consistent advantage over the current market rent, making it an attractive opportunity for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking reliable income streams.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.