Location: Madison, WI | Metro: Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,530 | $351,164 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $464,796 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $2,260 | $595,404 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1300 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 53528 (Cross Plains, WI) set by HUD for fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum amount Section 8 vouchers can cover for a two-bedroom rental unit. 1395 is the actual market rent, as measured by Zillow's ZORI index, which reflects what tenants are willing to pay for similar units. This suggests landlords in Cross Plains can expect to charge slightly above the FMR, maximizing their revenue while remaining competitive. 532019 is the median home value in the area, providing insight into the overall property values and potential resale opportunities. 22.0% represents the proportion of residents who are renters, showing that while the majority own their homes, there is still a significant market for rentals. 106823 is the median household income, which supports the ability of local residents to afford rents close to the FMR without relying solely on assistance programs. The N/A for days on market (DOM) and the N/A for the percentage of listings that require price cuts indicate a stable housing market with little public data available on these metrics. Given these figures, landlords and small-portfolio investors should find Cross Plains, WI, a viable market for Section 8 properties, with rents just above the voucher limit and a steady demand from tenants capable of contributing additional income towards rent. The verdict for Section 8 investments in Cross Plains is positive, with reasonable margins and a supportive environment for affordable housing.
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.