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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,751 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,889 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,650 | $343,617 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 54009, there are several factors that could present challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Firstly, tenant turnover rates can be higher when the market rent is $1,111 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,260 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants may prefer non-Section 8 housing where they can secure a slightly lower rent, leading to increased churn for Section 8 properties.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. High vacancy periods can significantly impact cash flow, especially when combined with the lower rents associated with Section 8.
The deferred maintenance exposure is also notable. With a typical home value of $341,095 and a median income of $89,861, many homeowners in this area may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements. This can translate into higher maintenance costs for landlords, particularly if they inherit a property in need of upgrades.
However, these risks must be weighed against the significant number of renters in the area. At 13.9%, the renter share is relatively high, indicating a robust demand for rental housing. This high density of renters often correlates with greater interest in Section 8 vouchers, providing a steady stream of potential tenants who can afford the rent due to government subsidies.
In conclusion, while there are risks associated with tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter density in ZIP 54009 supports a moderate level of demand for Section 8 properties. For a first-time Section 8 landlord, the overall risk is moderate.
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.