Location: Dodge County, WI | Metro: Fond du Lac, WI 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $378,310 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 53010 are significant and must be carefully considered. First, tenant turnover poses a challenge due to the disparity between the market rent of $967 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1040 for fiscal year 2024. This difference can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may struggle to meet the slightly higher FMR requirements.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, especially since the days on market (DOM) data is not available. Without knowing the average time it takes to fill a vacancy, landlords may face extended periods where units remain unoccupied, leading to lost rental income. The typical home value in the area is $371,664, while the median income is $95,391. This indicates that many residents may find it difficult to afford housing without assistance, increasing the likelihood of deferred maintenance as tenants may prioritize paying rent over making costly repairs.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 16.5% in ZIP 53010 suggests a strong demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. High renter density often correlates with increased voucher utilization, which can provide a stable source of income for landlords. However, the competition for tenants may also drive down rents, potentially affecting the profitability of Section 8 properties.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 53010 is moderate. While there are notable challenges, such as tenant turnover and vacancy exposure, the high renter share provides a solid foundation for demand and stability.
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.