Location: Gosper County, NE | Metro: Furnas County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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)
The analysis of ZIP 68936, located in Gosper County, Nebraska, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. However, the market rent for this ZIP code is currently not available. This absence of data makes it challenging to directly compare the FMR with the actual market rent, but given the rural setting of Gosper County, it's likely that the FMR provides a reasonable guideline for rental pricing.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value is not specified for this ZIP code, nor are the days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut. Without these figures, it's difficult to assess the overall cost and competition in the housing market. Nevertheless, the lack of detailed market data suggests a stable, less volatile environment which could be beneficial for those seeking low-risk investments.
Tenant demand is another critical factor. With a population of 183, only 7.1% of residents are renters. This indicates a limited pool of potential tenants, which could pose challenges for maintaining occupancy rates. Given the small number of residents and the low renter share, landlords should prepare for a competitive leasing environment and possibly lower vacancy rates due to the scarcity of rental properties.
Verdict: ZIP 68936 presents a unique scenario where the rural nature of the location impacts both rental and acquisition dynamics. The Fair Market Rent of $960 offers a benchmark for setting rental prices, but the limited data on market rents means careful consideration is needed. Acquisition costs cannot be fully assessed without specific median home values and market condition indicators, suggesting a potentially stable but uncertain investment climate. Tenant demand is notably constrained by the small population and low renter share, indicating that landlords must be prepared for a niche market with fewer potential tenants. Overall, while there are opportunities, they come with inherent challenges that require strategic planning and a long-term perspective.
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.