Location: Oconto County, WI | Metro: Oconto 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $239,734 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 54149, located in Mountain, WI, presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median household income here stands at $50,250 according to the latest Census ACS data. Given the market rate for rent is $1,632 per month, it becomes evident that the financial burden on a typical household is significant. To put this into perspective, a household earning the median income would spend nearly 37% of their monthly earnings on rent alone, which is well above the recommended threshold of 30%.
In contrast, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54149 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910. This means that households receiving Section 8 vouchers could potentially find housing options at a much lower cost compared to the market rate. The disparity between the market rate ($1,632) and the voucher payment standard ($910) highlights a substantial affordability gap for renters in this area.
With only 5.4% of the 1,210 population being renters, competition among landlords is relatively low. However, the limited number of renters also means that there is a smaller pool of potential tenants, making it crucial for landlords to consider the value proposition they offer to attract and retain tenants.
For landlords evaluating strategies, focusing on cash-paying tenants might yield higher immediate returns due to the premium over voucher payments. However, given the high rent-to-income ratio, it is essential to balance this approach with the reality that many households may struggle to pay the market rate consistently. Therefore, accepting Section 8 vouchers could be a viable strategy to ensure a steady stream of tenants and avoid prolonged vacancies. Landlords should weigh the benefits of higher rents against the risk of tenant turnover and vacancy rates when deciding whether to accept vouchers or focus on cash-paying tenants.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while the allure of cash-paying tenants is understandable, the practical realities of the local rental market suggest a mixed strategy. By offering units at both market and voucher rates, landlords can cater to a broader spectrum of renters, ensuring occupancy and stability in a challenging economic environment.
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.