Location: Lafayette County, WI | Metro: Grant County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 53807 in Lafayette County, WI, reveals several key points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $970 for the fiscal year 2026, is significantly higher than the current market rent of $780 based on Census ACS data. This suggests that while landlords can aim for rents closer to the FMR, they might face challenges in achieving these levels without offering competitive amenities or upgrades to properties.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 53807 is $251,674. However, due to the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts, it's challenging to provide a detailed assessment. Landlords should conduct further research into local real estate trends to gauge how quickly homes sell and if there's a need to negotiate prices downward.
Regarding tenant demand, ZIP 53807 has a population of 4,209, with 18.0% of residents being renters. This indicates a moderate demand for rental properties, though the relatively low renter share suggests that competition among landlords could be high.
In conclusion, ZIP 53807 presents a mixed picture for real-estate investment. While the potential exists to charge rents close to the FMR of $970, the current market rent of $780 highlights the necessity for competitive offerings. The median home value of $251,674 is an important consideration, but without additional metrics on DOM and price-cut percentages, the overall cost-effectiveness of acquisitions remains unclear. Lastly, the moderate tenant demand and high competition among landlords mean that careful property selection and management strategies will be crucial for success. Landlords must balance these factors to determine if this ZIP code aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.