Location: Rock County, NE | Metro: Holt County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 68759 in the fiscal year 2026 is set at $980. This figure represents the payment standard used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Section 8 program, which is not the actual rent you will charge your tenants. Instead, it's the maximum amount HUD will pay toward a tenant's rent. Landlords can set their own rent, but it must be reasonable and cannot exceed the FMR.
In ZIP 68759, there is currently no specific local rent figure available for comparison, indicating that the area follows the broader metro area's FMR. With a renter share of 14.7%, this suggests that nearly 15% of the population in this ZIP code relies on rental housing, creating a moderate demand for affordable rentals. The lack of available acquisition cost data means you'll need to research property values in the area to determine a realistic purchase price for potential Section 8 properties.
To participate effectively in the Section 8 program, you must ensure your rental property meets certain criteria. One critical step is verifying that your property complies with HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards cover a range of safety and habitability issues, including structural integrity, electrical systems, heating, and plumbing. A thorough inspection by a qualified professional is essential to confirm compliance before you finalize any investment decision.
While the FMR provides a guideline for the maximum subsidy, remember that the actual rent you can charge is typically higher, up to a limit that still makes the property affordable for low-income families. This means you can set your rent above $980, but the tenant's portion will remain capped at 30% of their income, with the rest covered by the voucher.
Given the current economic conditions and the ongoing need for affordable housing, Section 8 rentals can offer a stable source of income. However, it's crucial to balance this against the initial investment and any potential maintenance costs. The 14.7% renter share indicates a steady market for rentals, but you should also consider the overall economic health of the area and the demographic makeup of potential tenants.
In summary, if you're looking to enter the Section 8 rental market in ZIP 68759, the $980 FMR is a key starting point. Ensure your property meets HQS requirements, and carefully assess the local rental market dynamics to make an informed decision.
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.