Location: Polk County, WI | Metro: Polk 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,308 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,792 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,310 | $291,172 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,680 | $338,285 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $1,990 | $411,767 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 54001, located in Amery, WI within the Polk County, WI metro area, presents an interesting profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 stands at $1,230, while the market rent is slightly lower at $1,115. This indicates that the rental rates in 54001 are close to the fair market value set by HUD, making it a stable investment option.
Average home values in 54001 are at $333,326, which is a critical figure for assessing the overall property value in the area. Typically, this figure would be used to gauge how much a landlord could potentially sell their property for, should they choose to exit the rental market. However, the primary focus here is on the rental aspect, where 54001 has a renter share of 19.0%. This percentage suggests a moderate demand for rentals in the area.
To determine if 54001 represents a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within its metro, we must consider the relationship between its FMR, market rent, and home values. A value pocket typically has lower market rents relative to home values, indicating potential for higher returns on investment due to the disparity between the two. In contrast, a mid-tier neighborhood might have market rents and home values closer to the average, providing steady but not exceptional returns. A premium sub-market usually commands higher rents and home values, reflecting a higher cost of living and potentially higher investment risk.
In 54001, the FMR and market rent are relatively close, suggesting stability rather than significant growth potential or risk. The home value of $333,326 is a key indicator; if it's above the average for Polk County, then 54001 leans towards being a mid-tier neighborhood. If it's below the average, then it could be considered a value pocket. Given the data, without specific averages for the entire county, we can infer that 54001 is likely a mid-tier neighborhood due to its balanced figures.
However, the 19.0% renter share is worth noting. While this doesn't necessarily indicate a Section 8 sweet spot on its own, if combined with lower-than-average home values, it could signal an area where Section 8 vouchers are more prevalent among renters. This could make 54001 attractive for landlords looking to participate in the Section 8 program, as there is a decent share of renters who might benefit from such assistance.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should evaluate 54001 based on these metrics. It appears to offer a middle ground in terms of investment, neither particularly cheap nor expensive, but with a reasonable share of renters who might be interested in subsidized housing options.
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.