Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 49346 - 2027

Location: Newaygo County, MI | Metro: Mecosta County, MI

Investment Score for ZIP 49346

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,010

Median Price (2BR)

$240,545

1% Rule

0.42%

Annual Yield

5.04%

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	$720
1 Bedroom	$820
2 Bedrooms	$1,010
3 Bedrooms	$1,260
4 Bedrooms	$1,580
5 Bedrooms	$1,833
6 Bedrooms	$2,053
7 Bedrooms	$2,217
8 Bedrooms	$2,328

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	$1,010	$240,545	0.42%	F
3BR	$1,260	$327,784	0.38%	F
4BR	$1,580	$417,903	0.38%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

5,553

Median Household Income

$72,975

Housing Units

3,147

Renter Percentage

10.9%

Occupancy Rate

77.6%

Renter Occupied

267

Stanwood, MI, located in ZIP code 49346, is a small town with a mix of rental and homeownership opportunities. The housing market here reflects a balance between affordability and the demand for rental properties, making it an interesting area for real estate investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Stanwood, MI, as of fiscal year 2026, is set at $970 per month, indicating the average cost that a landlord can charge for a modest apartment without burdening tenants who are paying more than 30% of their adjusted income.
The market rent, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $867 per month, which is slightly below the FMR, suggesting a competitive rental environment where landlords must offer value to attract tenants.
The median home value in Stanwood, MI, is $304,670, providing a benchmark for property values and potential investment returns for those looking to purchase homes in the area.
Renters make up 10.9% of the population, indicating a smaller but still significant rental market that could support a niche portfolio for landlords focused on this segment.
The median household income in Stanwood, MI, is $72,975, which suggests that residents have the financial stability to meet rental obligations and potentially afford higher rents if the property offers added value.

In summary, Stanwood, MI, presents a moderate rental market with a slight premium over the actual market rent due to the FMR. The relatively high median income supports the ability of renters to pay higher rents, but the low percentage of renters means competition for tenants might be intense. For small-portfolio investors, focusing on quality and value in rental properties can help stand out in a crowded market. The median home value also provides a solid base for investment, ensuring that property purchases are in line with regional standards and offering potential appreciation in the future.

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.