Location: Brown County, NE | Metro: Brown 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 | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $97,836 | 1.03% | B |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $181,474 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $249,854 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 69210, located in Ainsworth, NE, within the Brown County, NE metro area, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $960, while the actual market rent, as per the Census ACS, is $843. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to charge the FMR without adjustments to their property's amenities or location.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $139,565. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts indicates a stable market with limited insights into recent trends. Landlords should be cautious about overpaying for properties given the incomplete picture of the local real estate activity.
Tenant demand in ZIP 69210 is modest but present. With a total population of 2,191 and a renter share of 27.3%, there are approximately 599 potential renters. This number is not large, but it provides a steady pool of tenants for small-portfolio investors.
Verdict: ZIP 69210 presents a mixed opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. While the median home value makes acquisitions relatively affordable, the lower market rent compared to the FMR and limited recent market trend data suggest caution. The modest tenant demand is consistent but not robust enough to guarantee high occupancy rates. Investors should focus on properties that can justify the higher FMR through quality and strategic positioning to maximize returns.
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.