Location: Marquette County, WI | Metro: Columbia County, WI HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $274,446 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $1,490 | $354,856 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median household income in ZIP code 53954, which encompasses Pardeeville, Wisconsin, stands at $83,207. This figure places significant constraints on the ability of renters to afford the market rate rent of $988 per month. To put this into perspective, a household earning the median income would dedicate approximately 34.5% of their monthly earnings to rent alone, assuming a 12-month average income distribution.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set by the Housing Choice Voucher Program for fiscal year 2024 is $1,000. This means that voucher holders have a slight edge over non-voucher holders when it comes to rental affordability. However, the difference is minimal, with only $12 per month separating the market rate from the voucher rate. For households relying on vouchers, the $1,000 FMR covers the market rate, leaving little room for higher rents.
In ZIP 53954, only 17.2% of the 6,678 residents are renters. This low percentage indicates a competitive landscape for landlords, as there is a smaller pool of potential tenants. The affordability gap between the median income and the market rate rent suggests that many renters might struggle to find housing without financial assistance such as vouchers.
Landlords considering whether to accept voucher tenants or focus on cash-paying renters should take note of these dynamics. Given the tight budget for most renters, accepting voucher tenants can provide a steady stream of income. Moreover, the competition for tenants willing and able to pay the market rate rent could be fierce due to the limited number of renters relative to the total population.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while cash-paying tenants might offer higher immediate returns, the risk of vacancy is significant given the rental market's constraints. Accepting voucher tenants ensures a consistent and reliable source of income, aligning with the financial realities of the majority of potential renters in Pardeeville, WI.
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.