Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 49091 - 2027

Location: St. Joseph County, MI | Metro: St. Joseph County, MI

Investment Score for ZIP 49091

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,080

Median Price (2BR)

$160,878

1% Rule

0.67%

Annual Yield

8.06%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$780
1 Bedroom	$830
2 Bedrooms	$1,080
3 Bedrooms	$1,430
4 Bedrooms	$1,510
5 Bedrooms	$1,752
6 Bedrooms	$1,962
7 Bedrooms	$2,119
8 Bedrooms	$2,225

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,080	$160,878	0.67%	D
3BR	$1,430	$220,842	0.65%	D
4BR	$1,510	$290,488	0.52%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

19,337

Median Household Income

$67,333

Housing Units

8,746

Renter Percentage

26.0%

Occupancy Rate

85.3%

Renter Occupied

1,943

Sturgis, MI, located in the heart of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, offers a stable environment for real estate investment, particularly for those interested in the Section 8 housing market. The area is characterized by a modest cost of living and a mix of rental and homeownership opportunities.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the Sturgis metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,060.
The actual market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, is currently $841.
The median home value in Sturgis is $205,838, indicating a moderate housing market.
Renters make up 26.0% of the population, suggesting a significant but not overwhelming demand for rentals.
The days on market (DOM) for rental properties is 35 days, which is average and reflects a balanced market.
The median household income in Sturgis is $67,333, providing a baseline for the financial stability of potential tenants.

Given these data points, landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect a relatively stable rental market in Sturgis, MI. With the Fair Market Rent exceeding the current market rent, there is potential for rental rates to rise, aligning with the FMR. The moderate median home value suggests that property appreciation could be gradual, making it a safe bet for long-term investments. A quarter of the population renting indicates a steady demand for affordable housing options, while the 35-day DOM shows that properties typically do not stay vacant for extended periods. Lastly, the median income provides assurance regarding the ability of residents to meet their financial obligations, including rent payments.

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.