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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $236,143 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $288,159 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,670 | $330,917 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 53901, which encompasses Portage, Wisconsin, is characterized by a delicate balance between supply and demand. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1010 for the fiscal year 2024, closely aligns with the reported market rent of $1,012 according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS). This near parity suggests that the rental market is stable, with rents reflecting the actual costs landlords incur.
The low price-cut share of 0.1% indicates that sellers are not frequently lowering their asking prices, implying that homes are generally selling close to their initial listing values. While the days on market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, the median home value of $286,142 provides insight into the overall health of the real estate market. This figure suggests that home values are neither rapidly inflating nor deflating, indicating a steady market condition.
A significant 31.1% of the population in ZIP 53901 are renters. This high percentage of renters signals a persistent demand for rental properties, which can be a source of long-term housing pressure. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should anticipate that there will consistently be a segment of the population seeking rental units, making it a viable market for those looking to invest in rental properties.
The dynamics of ZIP 53901 reveal a market that is currently stable but with an undercurrent of rental demand that could exert upward pressure on rents if the supply of rental units does not keep pace with demand. Given the low price-cut share and the median home value, it is reasonable to conclude that the market is not experiencing significant over-supply. However, the high renter share points to a potential challenge for homeownership, as a large portion of the population prefers or is compelled to rent rather than buy.
In summary, ZIP 53901 presents a market where demand for rentals is strong, and the overall real estate market is stable. For investors, the high renter share suggests opportunities in the rental sector, while the stable home values indicate a secure environment for property investment.
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.