Location: Sanilac County, MI | Metro: Sanilac County, MI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 48434 is primarily a renter-heavy area, given that 22.1% of the population are renters. This percentage indicates a significant portion of residents who rely on rental housing, which can translate into strong demand for Section 8 vouchers. However, it's important to note that this ZIP code has a relatively small population of 136, so the overall number of renters is limited.
The median household income in this area stands at $40,938. Without specific market rent data, we can infer the economic pressure on local renters by comparing the median income to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $1,090 per month for the fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. Assuming the local market rent aligns closely with the FMR, a typical rent would consume approximately 31.5% of the median household income. This calculation is based on an annualized rent cost of $13,080, which is derived from multiplying the monthly FMR by 12 months.
The FMR figure serves as a benchmark for affordable housing and is often used to determine eligibility for Section 8 vouchers. In ZIP 48434, the local income levels suggest that many residents could qualify for assistance under the program. Landlords in this area should anticipate tenants who will be using Section 8 vouchers, as the financial situation of the majority of residents makes it likely they would seek such aid to manage their housing costs.
In conclusion, while the total number of potential renters is small due to the low population, the ZIP code 48434 shows characteristics of a market where Section 8 vouchers are prevalent. The high proportion of renters and the alignment of median income with the FMR indicate that landlords will frequently encounter tenants relying on government subsidies to cover their rent. These tenants are typically responsible individuals who meet the income requirements for the Section 8 program, and landlords should prepare accordingly to accommodate them.
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.