Location: Harlan County, NE | Metro: Harlan County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68966 reveals a unique balance between yield potential and market stability. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, the rental market in this region offers a significant opportunity for yield compared to the local market average of $588. This disparity suggests that properties could be rented at a premium, potentially increasing cash flow for landlords.
However, the median home value in ZIP 68966 stands at $120,214, which is notably lower than the FMR, indicating that while rental yields might be high, the overall property values are not. This dynamic can be seen in the low percentage of renters—only 17.5%—which implies a predominantly owner-occupied neighborhood. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it difficult to assess the speed of property turnover, but the relatively low income level of $62,250 suggests that tenants may have limited financial flexibility, impacting stability.
Given these factors, ZIP 68966 leans towards being a high-yield, low-stability market. The high rental yield is driven by the significant gap between the FMR and the market rent ($960 vs $588), suggesting that rental properties can command higher rates. However, the low stability is indicated by the low renter percentage and modest income levels, which could result in higher vacancy rates and increased tenant turnover.
To summarize, landlords and small-portfolio investors should approach ZIP 68966 with an understanding that it presents a high-yield environment due to favorable rental rates, but they must also be prepared for less stable occupancy conditions. This classification is based on the specific figures of the FMR versus market rent and the income levels relative to the cost of living and housing in the area.
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.