Location: Manitowoc County, WI | Metro: Appleton, 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,540 | $314,366 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $352,878 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 53042 stands out within its county due to several key factors: a relatively low population of 6,810 residents, where 16.3% of them rent their homes. The median income here is $86,389, indicating a middle-class community. With a median home value of $308,231, it's clear that homeownership is a significant investment for those who choose to own rather than rent.
When analyzing the voucher economics, it becomes evident that there is a notable difference between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 53042 is set at $910, while the Census ACS data shows an average market rent of $778. This discrepancy suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can potentially receive higher rents compared to the local market average, making the ZIP code attractive for those willing to accept vouchers.
The data signature for ZIP 53042 reads as stable. The low percentage of renters indicates a strong preference for homeownership among the residents, which is supported by the high median home value. However, the presence of the Section 8 program offers a consistent rental income stream for landlords, mitigating risks associated with fluctuating market conditions. Given the economic indicators, landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this ZIP code favorable for long-term investments, particularly if they are willing to participate in the voucher program to attract tenants who might otherwise struggle to afford the area's housing costs.
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.