Location: Pierce County, NE | Metro: Pierce 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $169,429 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $228,447 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,640 | $306,617 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 68765, located in Wausa, Nebraska, has a population of 1,123 residents. Only 13.7% of these residents are renters, indicating that this is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy ZIP. The median household income stands at $70,694, which provides context for the rental market.
The average market rent in this area is $817. This amount represents approximately 11.5% of the median household income, suggesting that rent is relatively affordable for most households. However, it's important to note that the Fair Market Rent (FMR), set at $960 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metro area, is higher than the current market rent. This discrepancy indicates that landlords might face some challenges in adjusting their rents to align with federal standards without deterring potential tenants.
The scarcity of voucher holders in the area means that landlords can expect a tenant pool that is less reliant on housing assistance programs. Most tenants will likely be able to pay rent directly from their earnings, reducing the risk of late payments or non-payment. Landlords should prepare for a market where they need to balance affordability with the federal guidelines for fair market rent.
A landlord in Wausa should anticipate tenants who are financially stable and capable of paying rent without significant reliance on government subsidies. While the presence of Section 8 vouchers is not negligible, it is not the dominant factor in the rental market. Instead, landlords should focus on providing competitive rental properties that meet the needs of a diverse tenant base, including those who might be interested in utilizing vouchers despite the lower demand for them in the area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.