Location: Juneau County, WI | Metro: Juneau 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $188,187 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $264,127 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $301,763 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering Section 8 properties in ZIP code 53948, Mauston, WI, might raise several valid concerns. Let's address these questions head-on with the data available.
Objection 1: Will FMR $970 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $260,056 home?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a one-bedroom apartment in Mauston, WI, for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This amount must be compared against the monthly mortgage payment on a $260,056 home. Using an average interest rate of 4%, the monthly mortgage payment on such a property would typically range between $1,200 and $1,300, depending on the down payment and term length. Clearly, the FMR does not fully cover the mortgage payment, indicating that landlords would need to rely on other income sources or have additional capital to cover the shortfall.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 27.5%?
The data indicates that 27.5% of the population in Mauston, WI, are renters. This percentage suggests a moderate level of demand for rental properties. However, the success of rental investments also depends on the vacancy rate and the number of units available. Without specific vacancy rates or unit availability data, we can only infer that there is a reasonable market presence for renters, but it is insufficient to guarantee high occupancy rates without further investigation into local housing trends.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $889 market rents?
The voucher amount is tied to the FMR and is adjusted annually based on HUD guidelines. If the FMR remains at $970, the voucher should cover most of the $889 market rent for a one-bedroom apartment. However, the critical factor here is whether the market rents will remain stable or increase over time. If market rents rise faster than the annual adjustment to the voucher amount, landlords may face a gap between what vouchers cover and what they need to charge to break even. The data does not provide projections for future rent increases, so caution is advised when relying solely on voucher payments.
In conclusion, while investing in Section 8 properties in Mauston, WI, offers certain benefits, it also comes with challenges. Landlords must carefully consider their financial situation and the potential risks involved in relying on government subsidies and moderate renter demand.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.