Location: Taylor County, WI | Metro: Wausau, WI MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
14.5% of residents in ZIP code 54411 are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 in ZIP 54411 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $910, which represents a significant increase from the current market rent of $815 based on Census ACS data. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rents compared to the general market, enhancing profitability. Additionally, the median home value in the area is $244,474, reflecting a stable housing market that supports property values. However, the median income of $77,176 may limit the financial capacity of potential tenants, making the Section 8 program particularly attractive for securing reliable rental income. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, the disparity between the market rent and the Section 8 FMR provides a compelling opportunity for landlords. By leveraging the guaranteed rent through the Section 8 program, landlords can mitigate risks associated with non-payment and vacancy rates, ensuring steady cash flow. Given the data, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider participating in the Section 8 program to capitalize on the higher FMR while serving a demographic that benefits from affordable housing options.
A final consideration is the administrative aspect of managing Section 8 properties. While the financials are favorable, landlords must be prepared to comply with HUD regulations and undergo periodic inspections. The slightly lower median income does not necessarily translate to increased risk, as the government subsidy covers the majority of the rent. Therefore, the verdict for Section 8 in ZIP 54411 is positive, offering a reliable source of income with manageable operational requirements.
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.