Location: Adams County, WI | Metro: Adams County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 53910 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive from the government through the Housing Choice Voucher program for a unit of this size.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is reported at $760 according to the Census ACS data. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the prevailing market rent, which could be advantageous for landlords participating in the program.
A voucher payment is structured so that it covers most of the rent, but not all. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards the rent. This amount is then combined with the government's contribution to cover the total rent. Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary depending on the location and type of dwelling. In ZIP 53910, these allowances are included in the SAFMR calculation, meaning they are part of the $970 maximum payment.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $200, the government would pay the remaining $770 to meet the SAFMR of $970. This ensures that the landlord receives the full SAFMR amount, which is higher than the average local market rent. The utility allowances are typically a fixed amount and do not affect the rent directly but are part of the overall compensation structure.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 53910 for a two-bedroom unit would result in a surplus for the landlord. Given the local market rent of $760, the government's payment plus the tenant's contribution will exceed the market rate. This means landlords can expect to receive more than the usual market rent, effectively closing any gap and creating a positive financial outcome.
Landlords should also note that the SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, ensuring that the rates are tailored to the local housing market conditions. Participation in the Section 8 program can thus provide a stable and potentially above-market rental income, making it an attractive option for property owners in ZIP 53910.
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.