Location: Green Lake County, WI | Metro: Green Lake County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 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)
ZIP code 53939, located in Green Lake County, WI, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 and the current market rents. Specifically, the FMR for ZIP 53939 is set at $970, while the average market rent stands at $695. This $275 difference per unit per month ensures a stable and predictable cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The guaranteed rental income from the Section 8 program, which is tied to the FMR, provides a solid financial foundation for any investment property in this ZIP code. Landlords can rely on this consistent income stream without the volatility associated with market fluctuations. Moreover, the lack of data on median home values suggests that the primary focus should be on rental properties rather than residential sales, reinforcing the suitability of this ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor.
In addition to the favorable rent spread, the 9.6% renter share indicates a modest but present demand for rental housing in the area. While this percentage is not exceptionally high, it does suggest a steady base of tenants who might benefit from the Section 8 program. The median income of $70,833 further supports the notion that there are individuals and families who would qualify for and utilize the Section 8 vouchers, thus ensuring a reliable tenant pool.
Despite the absence of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), which would typically indicate potential for appreciation, the strong cash-flow characteristics make ZIP 53939 more suited for anchoring a portfolio's financial stability rather than serving as an appreciation play. The limited information on these metrics points towards a market that is more focused on providing affordable housing options through rental assistance programs, rather than experiencing rapid price increases.
In conclusion, ZIP 53939 offers a clear opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure a stable cash flow within their Section 8 portfolio. The substantial difference between FMR and market rents, combined with the existing demand for rental properties, makes this ZIP code a valuable asset for generating consistent returns.
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.