Location: Marquette County, MI | Metro: Marquette 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $880 | $152,087 | 0.58% | F |
| 2BR | $1,030 | $169,575 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $1,230 | $226,053 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $227,641 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $1,740 | $269,625 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 49849, Ishpeming, Michigan, is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount the government will pay for a Section 8 voucher holder's rent in the area. It does not mean you should charge $970; rather, it indicates the ceiling on what the government will cover.
In comparison, the average rent in Ishpeming is currently $770, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This means that the government's payment standard is higher than the typical market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The renter share in Ishpeming stands at 19.2%, suggesting there is a moderate demand for rental properties. With the FMR being higher than the actual average rent, this can create an opportunity for landlords to attract tenants who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing.
When acquiring a property for a Section 8 rental in Ishpeming, the median home value is approximately $182,517. This figure gives you a baseline for what you might expect to spend when purchasing a home to rent out under the Section 8 program. However, remember that the government's payment standard is based on the rent, not the purchase price of the property.
Before deciding to enter the Section 8 market, verify that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the program. These standards ensure the safety and livability of the unit, and passing this inspection is necessary to qualify for the program.
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.