Location: Mackinac County, MI | Metro: Mackinac County, MI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 49745 in Mackinac County, MI, reveals a favorable environment for cash flow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $715. This difference indicates that voucher tenants can provide strong cash flow at the FMR rate, without requiring premium units.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 49745, which is $218,949. Using the HUD FMR of $970, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.53%, suggesting a relatively low cost of living compared to property values. This ratio supports the notion that rental income can be a substantial portion of the total value of an investment property, making it attractive for investors focused on generating passive income.
In terms of the rental versus buying dynamics, the data shows a median Days on Market (DOM) of N/A and a price-cut share of N/A%. While these metrics are not available, the significant gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent implies a robust opportunity for positive cash flow. Investors can leverage this discrepancy to achieve higher returns on their rental properties.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cash flow. With voucher tenants paying above the market rent and a favorable rent-to-price ratio, investors can expect steady and reliable income from their properties, making ZIP 49745 a solid choice for those looking to generate consistent rental income.
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.