Location: Marquette County, WI | Metro: Columbia County, WI HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 53926, located within Marquette County, WI, presents a unique snapshot when compared to typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 53926 is set at $940 for fiscal year 2024, which is notably lower than the average market rent of $1,075. This indicates that while the government benchmark for affordable rental rates is below the actual market price, it still reflects a significant portion of what tenants can expect to pay.
The median home value in 53926 stands at $287,797, which is likely above the average home value seen across other ZIP codes in Marquette County. However, the renter share of 14.8% suggests a relatively smaller proportion of residents who are renting compared to owning their homes. Despite this, the combination of a slightly elevated renter share and a below-market FMR could imply that 53926 is an attractive area for Section 8 participants, given the potential for subsidized rents to be closer to actual market rates.
To determine if 53926 is a value pocket, mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within its metro, we must consider the interplay between FMR, market rent, and home values. With an FMR of $940 and a market rent of $1,075, landlords and small-portfolio investors might find that properties in this ZIP code offer a reasonable balance between affordability and market demand. The higher-than-average home values suggest that there is some level of economic activity or desirability that elevates property costs relative to other areas in Marquette County.
The data points towards 53926 being a mid-tier neighborhood within the Marquette County, WI metro. While it isn't the most expensive area, given the lower FMR and slightly elevated renter share, it also isn't the cheapest. The presence of a decent number of renters, combined with the relatively high home values, makes it a moderate choice for those seeking to invest in the real estate market here.
Note that the divergence in FMR and market rent, along with the higher home values, should be carefully considered by investors. It may indicate that the ZIP code offers a sweet spot for Section 8 housing, where the gap between government subsidies and market rents is not excessively large, thus making it a viable option for both affordability and profitability.
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.