Location: Hamilton 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,460 | $339,104 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 68865, located in Nebraska, presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median income in this area stands at $109,554, which provides a solid financial base for potential renters. However, when considering the market rate rent of $939 (as per the Census ACS), it becomes evident that affordability is not a significant concern for the majority of households. This is further supported by the fact that the voucher payment standard, set at $990 (FMR for zip FY 2024), is slightly higher than the market rate.
The low percentage of renters—only 10.5%—and the relatively small population of 941 suggest a competitive environment for landlords. Given the high median income and the fact that the market rate is below the voucher payment standard, renters have a choice between paying out-of-pocket or using a housing voucher. For landlords, this means that while there may be fewer tenants overall, those who choose to rent without a voucher are likely to be financially stable and capable of meeting their rental obligations on time.
The affordability gap, where the voucher amount exceeds the market rate, implies that landlords might see a slight preference for cash-paying tenants over those using vouchers. However, the number of voucher holders could still provide a steady stream of potential tenants, especially if they are seeking the stability of living in an area with a lower cost of living compared to their income levels.
Takeaway: Landlords in ZIP 68865 should consider both voucher and cash-pay strategies. While the market rate is lower than the voucher payment standard, the relatively high median income suggests that many renters can afford to pay rent directly. This creates an opportunity for landlords to attract financially stable tenants. However, the presence of vouchers also ensures a consistent pool of renters, which can be beneficial given the limited number of rental properties and the competitive nature of the local real estate market.
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.