Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54421 - 2027

Location: Clark County, WI | Metro: Wausau, WI MSA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$770
1 Bedroom	$810
2 Bedrooms	$1,040
3 Bedrooms	$1,360
4 Bedrooms	$1,410
5 Bedrooms	$1,636
6 Bedrooms	$1,832
7 Bedrooms	$1,979
8 Bedrooms	$2,078

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

3,468

Median Household Income

$60,820

Housing Units

1,215

Renter Percentage

31.7%

Occupancy Rate

96.3%

Renter Occupied

371

The ZIP code 54421, located in Wisconsin, offers a stable real estate market with particular interest for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. The area is characterized by a blend of suburban and rural features, providing a tranquil living environment for its residents.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54421 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $910, which is the benchmark used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for determining the maximum rental assistance payments.
The actual market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $844, indicating that the rents are slightly below the HUD-set FMR, leaving some room for adjustment without exceeding tenant affordability limits.
The median home value in the area is $219,259, suggesting that property investments here are relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Renters make up 31.7% of the housing stock, showing a significant demand for rental properties in the area.
The median income of $60,820 indicates that the local population has sufficient earnings to support rental costs, especially those aligned with the FMR.
Unfortunately, the Days on Market (DOM) data is not available, which would have been useful for understanding how quickly properties are rented out in this area.

For investors looking to enter the ZIP 54421 market, the current conditions present a balanced opportunity. With the FMR slightly above the market rent, there is potential to increase rental rates without risking tenant affordability. The median home value is low enough to make investment feasible while still offering good returns relative to the local income levels. Given the substantial renter share, demand for rental properties is strong, making it a suitable location for those interested in Section 8 properties or small rental portfolios. However, the lack of DOM data means that landlords should be prepared to conduct thorough research on local rental trends to ensure their properties are priced competitively and rented efficiently.

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.