Location: Pierce County, NE | Metro: Antelope 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 | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $119,541 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,220 | $169,511 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $1,630 | $161,445 | 1.01% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP code 68769, centered around Plainview, NE, is fundamentally about leveraging the difference between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $980, while the Census ACS reports an average market rent of $827. This creates a $153 gap, representing approximately a 18.5% premium for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers.
In Plainview, where 27.5% of residents are renters, and the median income stands at $61,833, the FMR is higher than the market rent. This situation makes it a yield play for landlords. Accepting voucher tenants allows property owners to charge closer to the FMR, which is significantly above the typical market rate. Given that the median home value in the area is $154,368, the ability to command higher rents through Section 8 can enhance the cash flow and profitability of rental properties.
The premium is especially valuable because it compensates landlords for the potential administrative burden and maintenance costs associated with voucher tenants. In this context, the higher FMR supports a strategy that can lead to better financial returns compared to renting out units at the lower market rate.
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.