Location: Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | Metro: Milwaukee-Waukesha, 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,498 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $295,981 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,660 | $372,390 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,780 | $482,136 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 53129, located in Greendale, WI, within the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA metro area, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1220 for a one-bedroom unit, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $2,150. This creates a spread of $930 per month, allowing landlords to secure steady rental income that exceeds the FMR.
The median home value in ZIP 53129 stands at $382,460, which is higher than many areas within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro. However, the key factor for a cash-flow anchor is the disparity between the FMR and market rent, which is substantial here. Landlords can expect to receive a guaranteed monthly payment from the government under the Section 8 program, ensuring a reliable source of income even if the property's market value fluctuates.
The renter share in this ZIP code is 32.8%, indicating a moderate level of demand for rental properties. With a median income of $95,012, tenants in ZIP 53129 are likely to have stable financial situations, reducing the risk of default on rental payments. While there isn't a specific percentage for price-cut share or days on market (DOM), the existing data points towards a healthy balance between rental income and property value, making it a strong choice for cash flow-focused investments.
To summarize, ZIP 53129 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the significant spread between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the relatively high median home value and stable tenant incomes. This ensures a reliable income stream and reduces the risk associated with market fluctuations.
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.