Location: Columbia County, 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 | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,668 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,388 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,590 | $353,764 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $447,823 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,300 | $546,462 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
19.1% of residents in ZIP code 53532, De Forest, WI, are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties in the area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 housing in the zip code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1310, which is significantly below the local market rent, measured by Zillow's ZORI, at $1,670. This discrepancy suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect lower rents compared to the open market.
$471,529 represents the median home value in the area, reflecting a relatively stable housing market. However, with a median income of $110,022, many households might find it challenging to afford homeownership, potentially increasing their reliance on rental options. Despite this, the 0.1% price-cut share indicates that property values are holding steady, without significant discounts being offered.
The absence of data regarding days on market (DOM) could imply that the real estate transactions in De Forest are swift, possibly due to the limited supply of homes for sale. For landlords considering the Section 8 program, the lower rent amounts could be offset by the security of guaranteed payments and the stability that comes with longer-term tenants.
In conclusion, while the market rent exceeds the Section 8 FMR by $360, the relatively high median income and stable home values suggest that the overall economic climate supports a solid investment strategy. Landlords should weigh the benefits of consistent rental income against the lower rates when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program. Verdict: Acceptable for Section 8 participation, given the local economic conditions and the demand for affordable rentals.
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.