Location: Hitchcock County, NE | Metro: Hitchcock County, NE
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $152,760 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 69044 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $960 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent. In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, is significantly lower at $525.
A landlord should understand that the voucher system operates on a combination of factors including the tenant's portion of the rent and utility allowances. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,000, they would contribute $300 toward the rent. The housing authority then covers the remaining portion up to the SAFMR limit of $960. If the total rent exceeds $960, the landlord must absorb the difference.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances which vary by season and location. These allowances are designed to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage. For ZIP 69044, these allowances can range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the season and type of utilities used. Landlords should factor these allowances into their overall rental income calculations.
To illustrate, let's assume a two-bedroom apartment is rented for the market rate of $525. With a tenant contributing $300 and an average utility allowance of $250, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $550. This leaves a surplus of $25 above the market rent of $525. However, if the landlord charges the SAFMR rate of $960, the surplus would be much larger at $435, assuming the same utility allowance and tenant contribution.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom voucher in ZIP 69044 depends on the actual rent charged. At the local market rent of $525, there is a small surplus. At the SAFMR rate of $960, the surplus is substantial. Landlords should consider these figures when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program and at what rent to list their properties.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.