Location: Prowers County, CO | Metro: Bent County, CO
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $150,589 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,470 | $217,065 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 81052, located in Lamar, CO, stands out within the Prowers County, CO metro area based on several key metrics. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,000. However, ZIP 81052 has a market rent of $856, which is notably lower than the FMR. This suggests that it may be considered a value pocket for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for areas where rental income can potentially exceed the cost of maintaining properties.
The median home value in ZIP 81052 is $181,758, which is also below the typical for Prowers County, CO ZIP codes. This combination of lower market rent and lower home values could indicate a strong potential for Section 8 housing opportunities. With a 33.7% renter share, it's evident that a significant portion of the population relies on renting, making it an attractive area for landlords who want to tap into the demand for affordable housing.
While the exact comparison to other ZIP codes in Prowers County is not provided, the lower-than-average market rent and home values, coupled with a substantial renter share, suggest that ZIP 81052 is likely a value pocket within the metro area. It offers opportunities for investors seeking to maximize their returns through rental income while minimizing property acquisition costs. Additionally, the high percentage of renters relative to the overall market conditions could signal a favorable environment for Section 8 subsidies, which can help stabilize cash flows for landlords in this area.
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.