Location: Marquette County, WI | Metro: Adams 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,120 | $244,477 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,420 | $318,298 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor might question whether the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,150 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 will sufficiently cover the mortgage on a home priced at $259,693 in ZIP 53952 (Oxford, WI). According to recent data, the median home cost in Oxford is $195,100, significantly lower than the proposed home price. However, the data does not provide specific mortgage rates for this area. To ensure the FMR covers the mortgage, one would need to calculate the monthly payment based on current interest rates and loan terms.
Another concern could be the adequacy of renter demand at 12.5%. In ZIP 53952, only 11.2% of the population are renters, indicating a relatively low demand for rental properties. Moreover, the rental market is minimal, with only 6.7% of houses and apartments available to rent. This suggests that while there is a small rental market, it may not be robust enough to support high occupancy rates without competitive pricing.
The final objection might be whether housing vouchers will keep pace with the $721 market rents. The median monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in ZIP 53952 is $610, and for a 2-bedroom, it is $800. While these figures do not directly correlate with voucher amounts, they indicate that the current market rents are below the proposed FMR. However, the data does not specify the exact amount of housing vouchers in this area. Therefore, it's essential to consider the local HUD guidelines and voucher availability to determine if they align with the market rents.
In summary, while the median home cost in Oxford is lower than the national average, the data does not fully address all concerns regarding mortgage coverage, renter demand, and voucher alignment with market rents. It's crucial to conduct further analysis and consult local real estate experts for a more comprehensive understanding of the investment potential in ZIP 53952.
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.