Location: Dodge County, NE | Metro: Cuming 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $234,352 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $283,610 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $358,000 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68788, located in West Point, Nebraska, reveals its position within the Dodge County metro area. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,070 for fiscal year 2026, it exceeds the average market rent of $778. This suggests that while the FMR is higher, landlords can still expect to charge above the market rate, indicating a slight premium on rental income.
The median home value in ZIP 68788 stands at $266,729, which is comparable to other ZIP codes in Dodge County, NE. However, the renter share in 68788 is 31.7%, significantly higher than the typical Dodge County ZIP codes, which usually have a lower percentage of renters. This high proportion of renters combined with below-metro average home values often points to an area where Section 8 housing vouchers are prevalent.
Based on these figures, ZIP 68788 appears to be a value pocket within the Dodge County metro. The higher renter share suggests a concentration of subsidized housing, which can be advantageous for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. The gap between the FMR and the actual market rent indicates that there is room for landlords to adjust their rents slightly higher without pricing out potential tenants who might rely on housing assistance.
To summarize, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the following:
The combination of these factors makes ZIP 68788 a promising area for those interested in Section 8 properties, offering a balance between manageable home values and a substantial renter base that includes many voucher holders.
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.