Location: Clay 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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $910 | $117,527 | 0.77% | D |
| 2BR | $1,100 | $161,690 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $227,987 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $274,204 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $2,100 | $372,746 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 68901 (Hastings, NE, Clay County, NE metro) works favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $880 for the fiscal year 2024 slightly exceeds the market rent of $858 according to Census ACS data. This indicates that properties can be rented at rates close to the government's benchmark, providing a margin for profit.
Acquisition in this area is affordable. With a median home value of $199,897, purchasing homes here is within reach for many investors. The 57-day Days on Market (DOM) suggests that homes are selling relatively quickly, and the low 0.2% share of listings experiencing price cuts indicates stable pricing conditions. These factors make ZIP 68901 an attractive location for acquiring rental properties.
Tenant demand is present but not overwhelming. The population of 26,264 supports a significant number of potential renters, given that 33.4% of residents are renters. This translates to over 8,776 individuals looking for rental housing, which is a substantial pool for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Verdict: ZIP 68901 presents a balanced opportunity for real estate investment. The favorable rent math, combined with affordable acquisition costs and stable market conditions, makes it a solid choice. While tenant demand is not exceptionally high, it is sufficient to support a healthy rental portfolio. Investors should proceed with confidence, leveraging the slightly higher FMR to optimize their returns.
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.