Location: Grant County, WI | Metro: Grant County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 53810 presents several challenges that landlords and small-portfolio investors must consider. First, the tenant turnover rate is a significant concern, particularly when comparing the market rent of $494 to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might be attracted by the lower market rents but leave once they can afford higher-quality housing, leading to frequent vacancies.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. With the days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A, it's unclear how long units typically remain vacant. However, the gap between market rent and FMR indicates a potential vulnerability to extended vacancy periods, especially if market conditions shift towards favoring higher rental rates. This uncertainty poses a financial risk, as prolonged vacancies can lead to lost income and increased costs associated with maintaining an empty property.
The deferred maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. While the typical home value is not specified, the median household income of $75,500 provides insight into the economic capabilities of residents. This figure may not be sufficient to cover extensive maintenance needs, which could result in higher-than-average repair costs for landlords. The lack of a specific home value makes it difficult to assess the overall condition of the housing stock, adding another layer of unpredictability to the investment.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 22.0% in ZIP 53810 offers a silver lining. A large proportion of renters typically translates into higher demand for rental assistance vouchers such as Section 8. This demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of tenants who are committed to paying their rent through government subsidies. Additionally, the higher FMR compared to the market rent could indicate an opportunity for landlords to potentially increase their rental income over time as voucher amounts adjust to meet the higher FMR.
In summary, while there are notable risks related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density in ZIP 53810 supports a moderate risk profile for first-time Section 8 landlords. The potential for voucher demand to offset some of the financial uncertainties makes this area worth considering, provided investors are prepared for the challenges ahead.
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.