Location: Battle Creek, 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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,259 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,372 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,430 | $293,513 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 49033 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,090. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers in your area, meaning it is the maximum amount that the government will pay toward a tenant's rent. However, this does not dictate the actual rent you can charge. Instead, it serves as an upper limit for the subsidy portion of the rent.
In comparison, the average rent in ZIP 49033 according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) is $947. This difference highlights that the FMR is designed to cover a broader range of housing costs, including those that might be slightly above the market average.
The 5.8% renter share indicates that nearly 6 out of every 100 residents in ZIP 49033 are renters. While this percentage might seem low, it still represents a significant demand for affordable housing units, especially those that qualify under the Section 8 program.
When acquiring a property for a Section 8 rental in ZIP 49033, expect to pay around $293,811. This figure reflects the typical cost of purchasing a home suitable for such a rental, giving you a baseline for your investment.
To ensure success with your first Section 8 rental, verify that your property meets all local housing quality standards (HQS) before proceeding. These standards include safety, health, and structural requirements that must be satisfied for the property to be eligible for the program.
In summary, the FMR of $1,090 sets the subsidy cap, while the local average rent of $947 gives you a benchmark for setting your own rates. With a 5.8% renter share, there is a steady demand for affordable housing in ZIP 49033. Your initial investment could be around $293,811. Ensure your property complies with HQS to avoid any complications.
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.