Location: Shawano County, WI | Metro: Shawano County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 economics in ZIP code 54128 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,020 per month for fiscal year 2026. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing cost dynamics within it.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, averages $511. This significant disparity between the SAFMR and the actual market rent presents an interesting scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors in the area.
A Section 8 voucher operates by covering the difference between the tenant's portion and the total rent. The tenant is typically required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For simplicity, let's assume a tenant's income is such that they can afford to pay $300 towards rent, which is a common figure based on average incomes and the 30% rule. With a SAFMR of $1,020, the voucher would cover the remaining $720. However, since the local market rent is $511, the voucher would overpay by $209 for a landlord accepting this rent level.
To break it down further:
This results in a surplus for landlords who accept the local market rent. The surplus is calculated as the total voucher payment minus the local market rent, which equals $509. This means landlords could potentially receive $509 more per month than the standard local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, making it a financially attractive option for those willing to participate in the program.
However, it's important to note that while the voucher covers a substantial portion of the rent, landlords must still ensure that the unit meets all HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) standards. This includes regular maintenance and adherence to health and safety codes. Additionally, the voucher payment structure can vary slightly depending on the specifics of the tenant's income and the utility allowances, but the general principle remains the same.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 54128 can expect a significant financial advantage when renting to tenants with Section 8 vouchers, with a potential surplus of $509 per month for a two-bedroom unit. This makes the Section 8 program particularly appealing for landlords looking to secure steady rental income while also providing affordable housing options to eligible tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.