Location: Dawson County, NE | Metro: Buffalo County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 68858, located within the Dawson County, NE metro, has a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for fiscal year 2026, slightly above the market rent of $925. This indicates that it is priced at a level that is competitive but also reflective of government standards for rental properties. The median home value in ZIP 68858 stands at $274,223, which is likely representative of the broader county's real estate market. With a 15.4% renter share, it suggests a moderate reliance on rental properties compared to other ZIP codes within the county.
To determine if ZIP 68858 is a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within the Dawson County, NE metro, we must consider the specific figures provided. The FMR being marginally higher than the market rent could imply that landlords in this area are either meeting or slightly exceeding the federal guidelines for rental prices, positioning it as a mid-tier neighborhood where rents are reasonable yet not discounted.
The median home value of $274,223 aligns closely with what might be expected for a mid-tier neighborhood in the region, neither excessively high nor low compared to the average property values in Dawson County. A notable divergence is the relatively high renter share of 15.4%, combined with home values that are not significantly higher than the metro average. This combination can signal a potential Section 8 sweet spot, where the number of renters is substantial, and the property values are within a range that makes the ZIP attractive for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
In summary, ZIP 68858 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Dawson County, NE metro, with rental prices and home values that reflect a balanced market. Its high renter share makes it particularly interesting for those considering involvement in the Section 8 housing assistance program, as it could offer a favorable balance between demand and property costs.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.