Location: Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | Metro: Muskegon-Norton Shores, 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 | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,060 | $159,419 | 0.66% | D |
| 2BR | $1,390 | $210,751 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,660 | $260,215 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $1,830 | $323,609 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $2,123 | $373,930 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To integrate ZIP 49441, located in Roosevelt Park, MI, into a Section 8 portfolio strategy, one must consider its financial metrics and market conditions. This ZIP code is part of the Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI MSA metro area, which presents unique opportunities and challenges.
ZIP 49441 is best classified as an appreciation play within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The data shows that the ZIP has a low 0.2% price-cut share, indicating that properties here rarely need to be discounted to sell. Additionally, the days on market (DOM) for properties is relatively short at 16 days, suggesting strong demand and quick turnover. These factors point towards a stable and growing real estate market where property values are likely to appreciate over time.
The median home value in ZIP 49441 stands at $250,600, which is a reasonable investment level for many portfolios. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a $1110 unit in the fiscal year 2024 is slightly below the market rate of $1,136, creating a narrow but present spread. However, this spread is not significant enough to classify the ZIP as a cash-flow anchor, as the primary focus should be on long-term appreciation rather than maximizing immediate rental income.
A further argument for ZIP 49441 being an appreciation play is the median income figure of $67,427. This indicates that the local economy supports a middle-income demographic, which can contribute to steady demand for housing and, consequently, property value growth. While the renter share at 24.2% suggests some diversity in ownership patterns, the majority of residents are homeowners, aligning with the appreciation play thesis.
In summary, ZIP 49441 offers a balanced mix of stability and potential for property value appreciation, making it a suitable choice for investors focused on long-term growth within their Section 8 portfolio.
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.