Location: Harlan County, NE | Metro: Harlan County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68971 reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering the area.
Firstly, the rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the NE metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. However, the market rent is listed as N/A, which suggests that either there is insufficient data or the actual market rent could be lower, making it difficult to achieve profitability without undercutting the FMR.
Secondly, acquisition appears to be affordable based on the median home value of $147,496. This figure is relatively low compared to other areas, indicating that purchasing properties in ZIP 68971 can be done at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, the Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that had to reduce their asking price (price-cut share) are not available, which would have helped in assessing the competitiveness of the real estate market and the ease of acquiring properties.
Lastly, there is a moderate tenant demand. With a total population of 306 and 8.2% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is limited. This small number of renters might make it challenging to fill vacancies quickly, especially if the competition for rental units is high.
In summary, while the median home value makes property acquisition potentially affordable, the lack of clarity around market rent and the limited number of renters suggest that ZIP 68971 may not be an ideal investment location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for strong returns and quick occupancy rates. The viability of rental operations hinges critically on the actual market rent being closer to the FMR to ensure profitability, and further investigation into the local rental market dynamics is advised before committing to investments in this 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.