Location: Nance County, NE | Metro: Howard 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,690 | $287,682 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 68864 stands at $83,365, which places a significant constraint on the average household's ability to pay $925 for market-rate rent. This indicates that without financial assistance, many residents might find it challenging to afford typical rental units.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1000 for the fiscal year 2024, which is the standard voucher payment, is slightly above the current market rate. This suggests that voucher holders could potentially have an easier time finding housing within their budget, as the FMR covers the market rate and then some.
With only 15.7% of the 958-person population being renters, competition among landlords in this area is likely to be intense. The limited number of renters means that each unit becomes a valuable asset, and landlords must consider carefully how they position their properties to attract tenants.
The affordability gap in ZIP 68864 means that landlords should be prepared to cater to both voucher recipients and those who can pay in cash. Given the higher FMR compared to the market rate, accepting vouchers could be a viable strategy to fill vacancies and ensure steady income. However, landlords should also consider the administrative overhead and potential delays associated with voucher programs.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 68864 should weigh the benefits of accepting vouchers against the ease of collecting rent from cash-paying tenants. While vouchers provide a guaranteed income stream, cash payments offer a simpler transaction process. The decision should be based on the landlord's operational capacity and the local rental demand dynamics.
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.