Location: Kearney County, NE | Metro: Franklin County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 68972 reveals a market that is neither purely high-yield nor completely stable, but rather a blend of both characteristics. On the yield axis, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,240, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $910. This indicates a potential upside for rental properties, especially those that can be positioned closer to the higher FMR, suggesting opportunities for landlords to increase their rental income.
However, the lack of data on home values (indicated by N/A) implies that there may be limited opportunities for flipping homes in this area. The absence of days-on-market (DOM) data further suggests an opaque market for quick sales, which is typically a key indicator for flipping strategies. Therefore, while the rental market shows promise, the flipping market cannot be recommended based on the available data.
Moving to the stability axis, ZIP 68972 has a relatively low percentage of renters at 22.2%, which is below average for many metropolitan areas. This could imply a market where homeownership is more prevalent, potentially reducing the demand for rental properties. Additionally, the median household income is reported at $50,000, which is a moderate figure that may not support premium rents but should ensure a stable base of tenants who can afford the average market rent.
Given these figures, ZIP 68972 appears to be more aligned with a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on long-term rental strategies, targeting properties that can command closer to the FMR of $1,240, while being mindful of the lower renter population percentage. This approach leverages the moderate income levels and the existing rental market dynamics to provide consistent returns without the volatility associated with flipping properties.
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.