Location: Jefferson County, WI | Metro: Janesville-Beloit, 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,180 | $273,325 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $333,174 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,610 | $415,892 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
25.7% of residents in Fort Atkinson, WI, live as renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. The market rent stands at $955, which is below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1140 set for zip code 53538 for fiscal year 2024. This suggests that landlords could potentially increase their rents to align with the FMR without significantly deterring tenants. However, the median income of $82,783 must be considered, as it influences the affordability of higher rents for potential tenants.
The median home value of $318,525 reflects a stable housing market, but the 0.2% price-cut share indicates that property values have remained relatively strong, with very few homeowners needing to reduce their asking prices. This stability can be reassuring for investors looking to enter or maintain a portfolio in Fort Atkinson.
Investors should also take note of the lack of available data on days on market (DOM), which could imply either a highly efficient local real estate market or a less transparent one. Regardless, the low percentage of price cuts and the gap between the market rent and the FMR present opportunities for savvy investors to maximize returns.
To conclude, the current landscape in Fort Atkinson, WI, supports a positive outlook for Section 8 investments, given the favorable rent-to-income ratio and stable property values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage these conditions to secure reliable tenancy and steady cash flows. Verdict: Fort Atkinson is a solid choice for Section 8 investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.