Location: Kearney County, NE | Metro: Adams County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68945 in Kearney County, Nebraska reveals several key points for potential real estate investments, particularly focusing on the viability of Section 8 properties.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, whereas the current market rent as per Census ACS data stands at $825. This discrepancy indicates that landlords could potentially face a shortfall if relying solely on market rents, as they would need to charge closer to the FMR to cover costs associated with Section 8 properties.
Moving on to the affordability of property acquisition, the data provided shows that the median home value is not available, nor are the typical days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that require price cuts. Without these figures, it's challenging to assess the ease and cost-effectiveness of acquiring properties in this area. However, the lack of specific data suggests that there might be limited recent activity in the housing market, which could indicate stability but also reduced opportunities for investment.
Regarding tenant demand, the ZIP code has a population of 156, with 32.2% of residents being renters. This relatively high renter share implies a steady demand for rental properties, although the small population size limits the total number of potential tenants.
Verdict: While there is a discernible demand for rental properties in ZIP 68945, the gap between the Fair Market Rent and the current market rent poses a significant challenge. Landlords must ensure that the higher rent levels can be justified and sustained in this market. The unavailability of critical data on median home values, days on market, and price-cut percentages hinders a comprehensive assessment of acquisition affordability. Nonetheless, the high renter share supports the idea that there are individuals seeking rental accommodations, making it a viable option for those who can manage the financial discrepancies and have access to detailed local market insights.
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.