Location: Garden County, NE | Metro: Garden 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $128,697 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $208,005 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 69154, which encompasses Oshkosh, NE, and the broader Garden County area, presents a clear opportunity for investors seeking stable returns. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is $1,040, significantly higher than the average market rent of $690 reported by the Census ACS. This disparity means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers can expect positive cash flow on standard units without needing to seek premium properties.
To further illustrate the investment potential, consider the median home value of $175,058 in the area. At an FMR of $1,040, the rent-to-price ratio stands at approximately 0.65%, indicating that rental income is a strong component of overall property valuation. This ratio supports the idea that rental properties, particularly those under Section 8, can provide solid financial returns relative to their purchase price.
While the data does not provide specific figures for the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that require price cuts, these metrics are typically indicative of the local real estate market's health and competition levels. Given the favorable FMR-to-market-rent comparison, it suggests that there is less pressure to reduce asking prices or wait extended periods for tenants, thus maintaining stability in the rental market.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cash flow. With HUD's FMR substantially above the current market rent, landlords can secure steady income from Section 8 tenants without the need for extensive renovations or targeting high-end units. This makes ZIP 69154 a prime location for small-portfolio investors looking to diversify their holdings with low-risk, high-reward rental investments.
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.