Location: Kearney County, NE | Metro: Buffalo 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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,540 | $283,829 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $1,970 | $330,660 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 68847, located in Kearney County, Nebraska, can serve as an appreciation play within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The data shows that the median home value is $281,708, which is slightly below the national average. However, the key indicators for appreciation potential include a 0.2% price-cut share and a 12-day days on market (DOM).
The spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,080 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 and the current market rent of $976 suggests that there is room for rental rates to rise, aligning with the FMR. This upward trend supports the appreciation play thesis.
With a 30.4% renter share, the ZIP code has a significant portion of its population renting, indicating demand for rental properties. The median income of $73,818 provides insight into the financial stability of the tenants, ensuring a steady stream of rental payments.
Investors should focus on the appreciation potential of ZIP 68847. The low price-cut share and short DOM indicate that the market is tight and prices are likely to appreciate over time. Additionally, the current rental rates being lower than the projected FMR suggest future growth in rental income.
To summarize, ZIP 68847 is best suited as an appreciation play in a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to its market dynamics and the expected rise in property values and rental rates.
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.