Location: Roscommon County, MI | Metro: Roscommon County, MI
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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $119,138 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $1,230 | $175,191 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 program in ZIP code 48656, which encompasses Saint Helen, MI, presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area, as of fiscal year 2026, is set at $970, whereas the Census ACS reports the average market rent at $742. This means there is a $228 gap, or approximately a 23.5% difference, between what voucher holders can pay and what the market demands.
Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, properties in Saint Helen, MI, become a prime yield play for investors. Landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers will be guaranteed a higher rental income than the current market rate. This is particularly advantageous considering that only 12.2% of residents are renters, indicating a relatively low competition among rental properties. With a median home value of $125,889 and a median income of $47,750, the economic conditions suggest that many residents may find it challenging to afford homeownership, making them ideal candidates for rental properties supported by Section 8 vouchers.
The higher FMR ensures that voucher tenants can cover the costs of maintaining and managing rental units at rates above the open-market levels. For instance, an investor could potentially charge $742 and still receive the additional $228 from the voucher program, effectively setting the rent at the $970 FMR level without directly asking the tenant to pay it. This scenario maximizes the landlord's income while keeping the rent affordable for the tenant, thus creating a win-win situation.
In conclusion, the disparity between the FMR and market rent in Saint Helen, MI, makes accepting Section 8 vouchers a strategic decision for landlords and investors. It not only guarantees a steady stream of income but also aligns with the local economic reality where a significant portion of the population may rely on government assistance to secure housing.
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.