Location: Lemhi County, ID | Metro: Lemhi County, ID
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 83468, located in Lemhi County, Idaho, presents a unique opportunity for inclusion within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. It stands out primarily as a cash-flow anchor due to the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the current market rental rates.
In the fiscal year 2026, the FMR for a one-bedroom apartment in the metro area of ZIP 83468 is set at $1,010. However, the current market rate for rentals in this ZIP code is significantly lower at $695 per month. This discrepancy means that properties in ZIP 83468 can be rented through Section 8 vouchers at a higher rate than the local market, providing a steady and reliable source of cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
While specific data on appreciation potential and median home values is not readily available, the ZIP code's characteristics suggest that it may not be an ideal location for appreciation plays. The lack of recent sales data and the absence of a defined median home value indicate limited historical growth, making it difficult to predict future increases in property value.
ZIP 83468 does offer some diversification benefits, with a substantial 37.7% of the population renting their homes. This high renter share can help balance a portfolio that might otherwise be heavily weighted towards homeownership areas. Additionally, the median household income in the area is $85,250, which is relatively stable and suggests a moderate economic base that supports ongoing rental demand.
Given the data, ZIP 83468 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The ability to secure higher rental rates through government vouchers while maintaining a competitive edge over local market prices ensures a predictable and positive cash flow, which is crucial for financial stability and growth in real estate investing.
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.