Location: Osceola County, MI | Metro: Mecosta County, MI
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $178,689 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $227,569 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 49631, located in Evart, Michigan, stands out within Osceola County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 5,765 residents, it has a relatively low rental rate of 18.4%, indicating that most homeowners prefer to own rather than rent. The median household income in this area is $47,174, which is modest but sufficient for local living standards. Notably, the median home value is $187,206, suggesting a stable housing market where property values are neither too high nor too volatile.
In terms of Section 8 voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,010, while the actual market rent, based on Census ACS data, is $782. This discrepancy means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rents compared to the typical market rates. However, the difference between FMR and market rent is not substantial enough to significantly impact the overall stability of the housing market in ZIP 49631.
The data signature for ZIP 49631 reads as "stable." The relatively low rental rate and moderate income levels suggest that the majority of residents are financially secure and able to maintain their housing status. While the Section 8 program offers a slight premium over market rents, it does not seem to disrupt the established patterns of homeownership and rental behavior in the area. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this environment predictable and conducive to long-term planning without significant risk of sudden changes.
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.