Location: Grant County, WI | Metro: Crawford 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $165,303 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $222,524 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP code 53821, which encompasses Prairie du Chien, WI, reveals a significant opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,000, while the Census ACS data indicates that the market rent stands at $801. This creates a gap of $199, or approximately 25%, where voucher tenants can offer a higher rental rate compared to the open market.
In Prairie du Chien, where 29.1% of residents are renters and the median home value is $212,840, the median income of $60,647 suggests that many families rely on housing vouchers to afford decent living conditions. For landlords, accepting Section 8 tenants means securing a steady income that exceeds the typical market rent by nearly 25%. This makes it a compelling yield play, especially considering the local economic context and the relatively low market rents compared to the FMR.
The higher FMR compared to the market rent also implies that voucher tenants are willing to pay closer to the government-set fair market rates, thus providing an above-average return on investment. In contrast, if the FMR were lower than the market rent, it would indicate a potential challenge in attracting voucher tenants who might be unable to cover the full cost of renting properties at market rates, thereby reducing the landlord's income. However, in this case, the higher FMR supports the financial viability of accepting Section 8 tenants, ensuring a consistent and reliable revenue stream for property owners.
Given these figures, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the benefits of participating in the Section 8 program in Prairie du Chien. Not only does it provide a stable tenant base, but it also offers a financial advantage over the current market conditions, making it a strategic choice for maximizing rental yields in the area.
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.