Location: Howard County, NE | Metro: Hall County, NE HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,100 | $227,762 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $313,312 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 68824, located in Cairo, Nebraska, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 1,562 residents, it has a rental rate of 25.7%, indicating a moderate reliance on rental housing. The median income of $77,989 suggests that residents have above-average purchasing power compared to the national average. Additionally, the median home value of $287,967 reflects a stable housing market.
Turning to the specifics of Section 8 vouchers, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 68824 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This amount is notably higher than the market rent of $850, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This discrepancy means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers in Cairo can expect to receive rents slightly above the typical market rates, providing a financial incentive to participate in the program.
The data signature for ZIP 68824 reads as "stable." The relatively high median income supports a steady demand for housing, while the median home value indicates a consistent property market. Although the rental rate is not exceptionally high, the modest percentage of renters combined with the favorable voucher economics suggests a balanced and predictable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The slight increase in FMR over the market rent also implies a controlled growth in rental costs, which can be beneficial for maintaining a steady occupancy rate without significant fluctuations.
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.