Location: Thomas County, NE | Metro: Blaine County, NE
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 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 median income in ZIP code 69157 stands at $95,714, indicating a relatively affluent area. However, the absence of specific market rate data suggests that rental pricing information is not readily available, which could be due to a low supply of rental properties or a high demand for homeownership in this region.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 69157, set at $960 for metro FY 2026, is a benchmark used for determining the payment standards for housing vouchers. This figure represents the maximum amount that a voucher holder can pay towards their rent, assuming they contribute 30% of their adjusted income.
Given that only 25.0% of the 99 residents are renters, the competition among landlords is likely to be low. This means that landlords have a smaller pool of potential tenants to draw from, which could lead to higher vacancy rates if rents are set too high relative to the FMR.
The affordability gap between the median income and the FMR is significant. A household earning the median income would typically spend less than 30% of their income on rent at the FMR level, suggesting that many residents could afford higher rents. However, for those relying on housing vouchers, the gap highlights the challenge of finding suitable accommodation that meets the voucher payment standard.
Landlords considering whether to accept voucher tenants or focus on cash-paying renters should weigh the benefits of each strategy carefully. Accepting vouchers ensures a steady, government-backed income stream but limits the rent to the FMR level. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants could result in higher rents but requires navigating a potentially smaller rental market and possibly dealing with higher vacancy rates.
Takeaway: In ZIP 69157, landlords might find that accepting vouchers provides a reliable source of income, especially given the limited number of renters. However, there is also an opportunity to attract cash-paying tenants who can afford rents above the FMR, though this comes with the risk of increased competition for the few rental units available.
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.