Location: Hillsdale 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,410 | $228,600 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,430 | $264,695 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 49082, with a population of 6,678, has 14.4% of its residents as renters. This indicates that it is not a heavily rental-oriented area but rather leans towards homeownership. The median household income stands at $74,063, which provides context for evaluating the suitability of Section 8 tenants.
A market rent of $900 in this area consumes approximately 12.1% of the median household income. This calculation is derived by dividing the rent by the median income ($900 / $74,063 = 0.0121), indicating that the typical rent is relatively affordable compared to the local income levels. However, when comparing this figure to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for FY 2026, which is set by HUD for the metro area, the $900 rent is below the FMR, suggesting that landlords could potentially charge closer to the FMR without significantly impacting affordability for tenants.
The expected tenant profile for landlords in ZIP 49082 would be individuals or families who rely on housing vouchers due to their lower income levels relative to the median. Given the percentage of renters and the income levels, landlords should anticipate that a significant portion of their potential Section 8 tenants will have incomes below the median, making the use of vouchers necessary to afford housing in the area. This reliance on vouchers means that landlords must be prepared to comply with Section 8 regulations and requirements, including regular inspections and maintaining properties to certain standards.
In conclusion, while ZIP 49082 is not dominated by renters, there is still a viable market for Section 8 tenants. The combination of a slightly below FMR rent and a median income that makes the $900 rent affordable suggests that landlords can successfully manage properties with Section 8 tenants, provided they are willing to adhere to the program's guidelines.
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.