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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,259 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,372 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,210 | $239,599 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,490 | $279,650 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,610 | $294,374 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 53219, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operate under specific guidelines that impact both landlords and tenants. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $1090 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is unique to this specific ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions more accurately than a broader county or metro-wide figure.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, as measured by Zillow's ZORI (Zestimate Observed Rent Index), is $1268 per month. This indicates that the SAFMR is lower than the average market rent, creating a potential challenge for landlords who wish to participate in the Section 8 program while maintaining profitability.
A landlord receiving a Section 8 voucher must understand how the payment structure works. The voucher does not cover the entire rent; rather, it reimburses the landlord for the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR. The tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% to 40% of their adjusted income toward rent. The remaining amount up to the SAFMR is covered by the housing authority, ensuring that the landlord receives a steady and predictable income.
In ZIP 53219, if we assume an average tenant contribution of $300 based on the lower SAFMR, the housing authority would then pay the landlord the balance to reach the SAFMR. This means the landlord would receive $300 from the tenant and $790 from the housing authority, totaling $1090 per month. It's important to note that this calculation can vary depending on the individual tenant's income and other factors.
Beyond the rent, landlords should also be aware of utility allowances. These allowances are intended to help cover the cost of utilities and can vary based on the size of the unit and the location. However, these allowances do not directly increase the monthly rental payment but can affect the overall financial arrangement between the landlord and tenant.
Given the SAFMR of $1090 and the local market rent of $1268, landlords participating in Section 8 in ZIP 53219 will face a reimbursement gap of $178 per month. This gap represents the difference between the SAFMR and the local market rent, meaning landlords will receive $178 less than the average market rate for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 53219 must be prepared to accept a rental rate of $1090 for a two-bedroom apartment when participating in the Section 8 program, which is $178 below the local market rent. This gap must be considered when deciding whether to enter into a Section 8 lease agreement.
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.