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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,750 | $297,270 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 53576, located in the Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA, reveals important insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1340. However, due to the lack of available data on current market rents, it's challenging to make a direct comparison.
Based on the HUD FMR alone, landlords can expect that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at this rate, but the margin will be tight. This implies that landlords might only see positive cashflow from premium units or those with lower-than-average operating costs. It's crucial to consider the local rental market conditions and any additional expenses when evaluating potential properties.
The median home value in ZIP 53576 is $305,062. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the HUD FMR as a proxy for average monthly rent. This gives us a rough estimate of the ratio, which can help investors understand the relative cost of renting versus buying. For instance, using the FMR of $1340, the annual rent would be approximately $16,080, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of about 0.0526, or 5.26%. This ratio suggests that renting could be more affordable than buying in this market, although the exact figure depends on current market rents.
The lack of specific data on the days-on-market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts makes it difficult to assess the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics. However, these metrics are typically indicative of the health of the housing market and can affect investment decisions.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 53576 is likely to be stability. Given the tight margins at the HUD FMR, appreciation or significant cashflow gains are less probable. Instead, the consistent demand for affordable housing and the predictability of government-backed vouchers provide a stable income stream, making it an attractive option for risk-averse investors looking for reliable returns.
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.