Location: Jefferson County, WI | Metro: Jefferson County, WI
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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $278,975 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $353,030 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,670 | $381,598 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 53549, Jefferson, WI, is set at $1,160 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, meaning that if you participate in this program, the government will pay up to this amount on behalf of eligible tenants. However, it's important to note that this is not your rent; rather, it's the maximum subsidy the government will provide.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 53549 is currently $1,066, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This indicates that the Section 8 payment standard is slightly above the local market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords who want to ensure they receive a competitive income from their rental properties.
The demand for rentals in this area is strong, with 27.9% of residents being renters. This suggests that there is a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing options, making it likely that a Section 8 property would attract interested tenants. Additionally, the median home value in ZIP 53549 is around $337,778, which gives you an idea of the acquisition cost for a property in this area.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that your property meets all the necessary inspection requirements. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development must be satisfied to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues with the program.
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.