Location: Montrose County, CO | Metro: Montrose 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 | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $311,898 | 0.35% | F |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $494,728 | 0.3% | F |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $550,813 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
24.8% of Olathe, CO's residents are renters, indicating a substantial demand for rental properties in ZIP 81425. The $1,040 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 shows that landlords can set competitive rents aligned with HUD guidelines. In contrast, the $1,004 market rent based on Census ACS data reflects current tenant expectations, suggesting that landlords can slightly exceed this figure without deterring potential tenants. The median home value stands at $460,634, which is significantly higher than the median income of $73,682, implying that many homeowners likely have substantial equity or are second-home owners. This dynamic supports a stable rental market where tenants might be less inclined to move frequently, as indicated by the N/A-day Days on Market (DOM), which suggests a low turnover rate. Furthermore, the 0.1% price-cut share indicates that rental prices in the area are generally well-maintained and rarely need adjustment downward to attract tenants. Given these factors, landlords and small-portfolio investors in Olathe, CO can confidently expect steady demand and stable returns on their investments. The alignment between the $1,040 FMR and the $1,004 market rent makes Section 8 vouchers a viable option for tenants, ensuring a reliable source of income for landlords who participate in the program. Verdict: Section 8 participation is advisable in ZIP 81425.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.