Location: Tuscola County, MI | Metro: Sanilac County, MI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 48426 stands at $62,169, which places significant constraints on the financial capabilities of potential renters when faced with a market rate of $650 per month. This makes it challenging for households to comfortably cover their rental expenses without financial strain. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,000, a figure that starkly contrasts with the actual market rate, indicating a substantial subsidy available through housing vouchers.
To put this into perspective, a household earning the median income would allocate approximately 10.4% of their annual income to the $650 market-rate rent. However, if they were to receive a voucher, landlords would be compensated at a higher rate, closer to the FMR of $1,000, which represents a more equitable distribution of the household's income towards rent. This suggests that voucher recipients have a greater ability to afford housing in ZIP 48426 compared to those paying market rates.
With only 12.6% of the 1,317 population being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low. However, the disparity between the market rate and the FMR highlights an opportunity for landlords to consider accepting vouchers. By doing so, landlords can secure tenants who are financially supported to pay a rate closer to the FMR, thereby increasing their revenue and reducing the risk of vacancies.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while there is limited competition due to the small number of renters, accepting vouchers can provide a stable tenant base and better rental income. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the administrative complexities of voucher programs. In ZIP 48426, where the median income barely covers market rents, the strategy of accepting vouchers could prove advantageous in securing long-term, reliable tenancy.
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.