Location: Oceana County, MI | Metro: Oceana County, MI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 49452, located in Oceana County, MI, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, which is set at $970, and the current market rent of $796. This $174 difference allows landlords to secure a stable and predictable cash flow from tenants participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 49452 stands at $203,794, which indicates a relatively affordable housing market. Despite the median income being $55,441, the low market rent suggests that many residents find housing costs manageable. However, the key advantage for landlords lies in the guaranteed rental income from the government, which exceeds the typical market rent by a considerable margin.
The lack of significant appreciation potential, as evidenced by the N/A% price-cut share and N/A-day days on market (DOM), further supports the classification of ZIP 49452 as a cash-flow anchor rather than an appreciation play. While the area does offer some diversification with a 10.0% renter share, the primary benefit for investors is the consistent and reliable cash flow generated through Section 8 tenancy.
To summarize, ZIP 49452 should be considered as a cash-flow anchor due to the substantial gap between the FMR and market rent, ensuring steady income for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The stable market conditions and affordability make it a safe bet for those looking to secure predictable returns without the expectation of rapid capital appreciation.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.