Location: Saginaw, MI | Metro: Saginaw, MI MSA
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,110 | $47,196 | 2.35% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $83,961 | 1.7% | A+ |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $114,883 | 1.27% | A |
| 5BR | $1,694 | $145,277 | 1.17% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 48601 in Saginaw, Michigan, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, but it does not guarantee that you will receive this exact amount. The actual rent paid by the tenant could be lower, depending on their income level and the size of the unit.
In comparison, the average rent in the area, based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $856. This means that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program as they might receive slightly above-average rental income.
The demand for rental properties in ZIP 48601 is strong, with 32.8% of the population being renters. This indicates that there are a significant number of potential tenants who may need housing assistance through programs like Section 8.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in this area, the median household income of $60,099 should be taken into account. This figure helps to gauge the economic conditions of the area and the ability of residents to afford rent, even with assistance.
Before proceeding with your first Section 8 rental in ZIP 48601, ensure that the property meets all the necessary requirements for the program. This includes passing a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which checks for safety and habitability. Failure to meet these standards can result in rejection of the property for the program, so it's crucial to verify compliance to avoid delays and complications.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.