Location: Janesville-Beloit, 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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,270 | $204,885 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,610 | $286,952 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,670 | $331,849 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 53548, located in Janesville, WI, is situated within the Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA metro. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 53548 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1090, while the average market rent stands at $1,113. This indicates that the rental market in ZIP 53548 closely aligns with the overall metro's rental trends, showing little deviation. The median home value in this ZIP is $276,953, which is lower than the typical home values found across the broader Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA. With a 30.1% renter share, ZIP 53548 has a notably higher proportion of renters compared to the average in the metro area.
The combination of a high renter share and below-metro average home values suggests that ZIP 53548 could be considered a value pocket within the Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA. Value pockets typically offer lower-cost housing options, making them attractive to low-income households, including those eligible for Section 8 housing assistance. Given the FMR of $1090 and the market rent of $1,113, landlords in ZIP 53548 can expect to receive rental subsidies that are competitive with the local market rates, thus providing a stable income stream without overpricing the units.
Investors looking to enter the Section 8 market should take note of ZIP 53548’s characteristics. The lower home values indicate that it might attract a significant number of Section 8 tenants due to affordability. Additionally, the slightly elevated renter share points to a robust demand for rental properties, which can benefit both landlords and small-portfolio investors. However, the relatively low home values also mean that there might be less capital appreciation potential compared to other areas in the metro with higher property values.
To summarize, ZIP 53548 presents itself as a value pocket within the Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA, characterized by its lower home values and higher renter share. These features make it an appealing location for Section 8 investments, ensuring a steady flow of subsidized tenants and potentially stable rental incomes.
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.