Location: Johnson County, WY | Metro: Johnson County, WY
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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $910 | $288,675 | 0.32% | F |
| 2BR | $1,190 | $325,011 | 0.37% | F |
| 3BR | $1,420 | $430,315 | 0.33% | F |
| 4BR | $1,970 | $487,329 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $2,285 | $605,790 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Johnson County, WY metro area, including ZIP code 82834 (Buffalo, WY), presents an intriguing opportunity for Section 8 investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,110. This figure is higher than the market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $1,025. As such, landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect to cashflow comfortably at the HUD FMR rate.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $409,112. Using this figure and the market rent of $1,025, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.25%. This ratio indicates that rental income is relatively low compared to property values, suggesting that the primary benefit for investors in this area will be stable cashflow rather than significant appreciation or high rental yields.
The data shows a median Days on Market (DOM) of N/A, which means there is insufficient information to determine how quickly properties sell. Additionally, the price-cut share is 0.1%, indicating that very few sellers are willing to lower their asking prices, likely due to the strong demand for homes in the area. These factors contribute to the overall stability of the real estate market in Buffalo, WY.
The strongest investor angle in this market is stability. With a favorable HUD FMR rate that exceeds market rents, landlords can secure steady cashflow while also benefiting from the robust housing market characterized by high median home values and minimal price adjustments.
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.