Location: Lansing-East Lansing, MI | Metro: Battle Creek, 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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $184,376 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,490 | $246,956 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $278,017 | 0.55% | F |
| 5BR | $1,786 | $324,339 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 48813, located in Charlotte, MI, has a population of 20,564 individuals, with 19.2% being renters. This indicates that it is not heavily dominated by renters; rather, it leans more towards homeownership. The median household income in this area is $80,429, which provides a baseline for understanding the economic landscape.
The market rent for the area is set at $957, which constitutes approximately 14.5% of the median household income. This calculation is derived from dividing the market rent by the median income and multiplying by 100: ($957 / $80,429) * 100 = 14.5%. Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is $960, as per the FY 2024 data. This slight discrepancy between the market rent and FMR suggests that the rental market is closely aligned with federal standards.
The percentage of income allocated to rent is relatively low, indicating that tenants in this ZIP code are likely to have disposable income beyond their housing costs. However, the demand for Section 8 vouchers may be moderate due to the smaller proportion of renters and the higher median income. Landlords should expect tenants who are financially stable and capable of managing other expenses besides rent.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 48813 can anticipate a tenant pool that is financially secure, given the median income level and the manageable rent-to-income ratio. While there is a presence of Section 8 tenants, the overall number is expected to be lower due to the predominantly homeowner-dominated environment and the moderate percentage of renters. This makes the area suitable for those looking to attract tenants with a solid financial background, though they should still be prepared to cater to some voucher holders.
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.