Location: St. Joseph County, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,460 | $218,976 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 49011 presents a dynamic rental market with specific characteristics that suggest a balance between supply and demand, leaning slightly towards demand-side pressure. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1070 for the fiscal year 2024, indicating the government's assessment of what constitutes a fair rent for a standard unit. This figure is closely matched by the market rent, which is recorded at $1,057 according to the Census ACS data. The proximity of these two figures suggests that the market is relatively stable, with little evidence of significant overpricing or underpricing.
The median home value in ZIP 49011 is $204,386. This statistic reflects the overall housing value in the area, but it does not provide direct insight into the rental market dynamics. However, the fact that the median home value is relatively low might imply that homeownership is accessible to a broader segment of the population, which could influence the rental market by reducing the number of potential renters.
The 15.1% renter share in the ZIP code indicates that a considerable portion of the population prefers or needs to rent rather than own. This percentage suggests ongoing long-term housing pressure, as a significant number of residents rely on rental properties. Such a high renter share can be indicative of an area where owning a home is either financially unfeasible or less desirable for many residents, thus creating sustained demand for rental units.
In ZIP 49011, the lack of data regarding price-cut share and days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to pinpoint whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the close alignment between the FMR and market rent implies that there is enough demand to support current rental prices without significant downward pressure due to an excess of available units. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of the consistent rental rates and the substantial renter share, which signals a market that is likely to remain stable or potentially grow in demand, particularly if economic conditions favor renting over buying.
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.