Location: Buffalo County, NE | Metro: Hall County, NE HUD Metro FMR Area
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 68876, located in Buffalo County, NE metro, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area and the actual market rent. In fiscal year 2024, the FMR for a one-bedroom unit is set at $910, while the market rent stands at $1,060, indicating a $150 monthly premium over the FMR.
This spread suggests that properties in ZIP 68876 can be rented out at a higher rate than the government subsidy, providing a positive cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value in the area is $240,673, which is relatively stable and does not show signs of rapid appreciation, further supporting the idea of using these properties as anchors in a diversified investment strategy.
While there is no significant price-cut share or days on market (DOM) data to suggest rapid appreciation, the 19.5% renter share and median income of $82,207 indicate a steady demand for rental properties. Investors can leverage this stability to ensure consistent cash flows, which are crucial for maintaining financial health and covering operational costs such as maintenance, taxes, and insurance.
In summary, ZIP 68876 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor due to its stable median home value and the substantial difference between FMR and market rent, allowing investors to generate reliable income from their properties.
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.