Location: Marinette 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $336,268 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 54161 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $910 per month for fiscal year 2024. This figure is specific to ZIP 54161 and does not apply uniformly across a larger county or metropolitan area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is significantly lower at $663, based on recent Census ACS data. This difference highlights the potential financial dynamics for landlords participating in the program.
A landlord should understand that a voucher payment is not simply the SAFMR amount. The actual reimbursement depends on several factors including the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is expected to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income that aligns with the local market rent, the tenant might contribute approximately $199 ($663 * 30%).
The remaining balance is then covered by the housing authority up to the SAFMR limit. In this case, the voucher would cover the difference between the tenant’s contribution and the SAFMR, which is $711 ($910 - $199).
Utility allowances can vary but generally add a few hundred dollars to the total reimbursement. For ZIP 54161, let's assume an additional $150 per month for utilities. Therefore, the total reimbursement from the housing authority, including the utility allowance, would be $861 ($711 + $150).
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment priced at the SAFMR of $910, the landlord would receive a total of $861 from the housing authority and the tenant, leaving a gap of $49 per month ($910 - $861). Conversely, if the landlord charges the local market rent of $663, they would receive the full market rent plus the utility allowance, resulting in a surplus of $150 per month ($663 + $150 - $663).
Landlords must weigh these figures against the administrative and management costs associated with Section 8 participation. While there is a slight reimbursement gap when charging the SAFMR, the consistent and government-backed payments can provide a stable source of income. Alternatively, charging below the SAFMR can yield a surplus, making it a financially advantageous option in ZIP 54161.
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.