Location: Sauk County, WI | Metro: Columbia County, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,510 | $546,289 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 53561 has a population of 1,872, with 10.3% being renters. This indicates that the area is predominantly a homeowner-dominated zone rather than a renter-heavy one, which suggests that the demand for Section 8 vouchers will be relatively low. The median household income stands at $91,103, which is notably higher than the average income typically associated with voucher recipients.
In this market, the typical rent is $1,061. Given the median household income, we can calculate that the average rent consumes approximately 12% of the local income. This is derived from the formula: ($1,061 / $91,103) * 100 = 11.6%. This figure aligns well with the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,230 for FY 2024, indicating that the rental market is fairly priced relative to the income levels of the residents.
A landlord in ZIP 53561 should expect tenants who are likely to have stable employment and higher incomes compared to those who typically rely on housing vouchers. While some voucher holders might still seek housing in this area, the majority of potential tenants would probably be able to afford market-rate rents without needing assistance. Landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that values quality living conditions and is willing to pay a premium for desirable properties, given the income levels and the relatively modest rent-to-income ratio.
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.