Location: Branch County, MI | Metro: Branch 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $162,539 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,420 | $203,675 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,440 | $228,729 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
21.6% of Bronson, MI residents in ZIP 49028 are renters, indicating a notable demand for rental properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which closely aligns with the $971 market rent reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), suggesting accurate pricing in the local rental market. Landlords can expect a median home value of $175,236, reflecting the overall property values in the area. However, the median income of $60,127 may pose challenges for some potential tenants to afford the higher rents, despite the reasonable FMR and market rent levels.
The absence of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares indicates either a stable market with quick sales or a lack of recent transaction data to provide these metrics. In either case, it's important to note that the rental market appears to be well-calibrated with the FMR and market rent being nearly identical, which supports the idea of a balanced market where rents are neither overpriced nor undervalued.
To conclude, given the $970 FMR and $971 market rent, landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP 49028 can confidently set their rental rates without fear of significant overvaluation. The median home value of $175,236 suggests that property investments could yield solid returns, especially if managed to cater to the 21.6% renter population. With the median income at $60,127, careful tenant selection will be key to maintaining occupancy and minimizing financial risk.
Section 8 Verdict: Suitable for investment, but focus on tenant screening to ensure financial stability.
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.