Location: Montcalm County, MI | Metro: Montcalm County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,490 | $230,227 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 48884 stands out due to its unique combination of demographic and economic factors. With a total of 5,091 residents, only 7.6% are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median income for this area is $62,750, while the median home value is significantly higher at $216,010. These figures suggest that homeownership is a priority among the residents, likely due to the relatively high median income supporting such investments.
Moving to the voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 48884 is set at $1,020 for fiscal year 2024. This is notably higher than the market rent, which stands at $893 according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This discrepancy indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive a slightly higher rent compared to the typical market rate, making it potentially more attractive for them to accept vouchers.
The data signature for ZIP 48884 reads as stable. The low rental rate and high median income suggest that the community is financially secure and less prone to significant fluctuations in housing demand. Additionally, the higher FMR relative to the market rent implies a consistent support system for those utilizing Section 8 vouchers, ensuring steady cash flow for landlords who choose to participate in the program. For small-portfolio investors considering this ZIP code, the stability in both demographics and economics presents a reliable investment opportunity.
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.