Location: Lenawee County, MI | Metro: Ann Arbor, 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 | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,297 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,779 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,918 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,500 | $206,536 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,790 | $290,471 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,980 | $296,039 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 49229, located in Britton, MI within the Lenawee County, MI metro area, presents an interesting case for real estate analysis. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 49229 is set at $1250 for fiscal year 2024, which is notably higher than the average market rent of $980. This indicates that while the government benchmark for rental prices is above the actual market rate, there might be room for modest increases without alienating tenants.
The median home value in 49229 stands at $285,681. To determine if this ZIP is a value pocket, mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, it's essential to compare these figures against the broader trends in Lenawee County. With a renter share of 8.1%, the proportion of renters is relatively low compared to what might be expected in a typical urban setting, but it aligns with the more rural characteristics of the county.
The divergence between the FMR and market rent suggests that Britton, MI could be considered a value pocket within the Lenawee County metro area. Landlords can leverage the gap between the FMR and market rent to attract Section 8 tenants while maintaining competitive pricing. Additionally, the lower renter share coupled with below-average home values relative to other parts of the county might indicate a sweet spot for Section 8 investments, where rental properties can offer stable income with less competition from owner-occupied homes.
To further clarify the positioning of 49229 within its metro, consider the following:
In conclusion, ZIP code 49229 appears to be a value pocket within the Lenawee County metro, offering opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors to capitalize on the existing conditions. The combination of a favorable FMR-to-market-rent ratio and a lower-than-average home value, alongside a modest renter share, makes it an appealing target for Section 8 investments.
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.