Location: Polk County, WI | Metro: Burnett 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $298,232 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $363,441 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 54024, located in Saint Croix Falls, WI, there are several potential issues that could arise. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a significant challenge. The market rent for the area is $924, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 stands at $1,080 in the metro region. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants seek out more affordable housing options. Secondly, vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) figure is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how quickly a property might fill when vacant. Lastly, deferred maintenance can be an issue due to the relatively high typical home value of $325,857 compared to the median income of $75,417. This disparity suggests that homeowners might struggle to maintain their properties, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs for landlords.
However, these risks must be weighed against the favorable factors present in the market. The renter share in the area is 25.3%, indicating a high concentration of renters. This high renter density typically translates into a robust demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. The presence of many renters increases the likelihood of finding tenants who are willing and able to use vouchers, thereby mitigating some of the financial risks associated with maintaining and renting out properties.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.