Location: Taylor County, WI | Metro: Clark County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 54422, located in Taylor County, WI metro, reveals several key points that can guide investment decisions. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,080 for fiscal year 2026. In comparison, the average market rent based on Census ACS data is $736, indicating that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the FMR rate. This suggests that landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect positive cashflow when renting to voucher holders, but it may be tight.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $218,566. Using the HUD FMR of $1,080, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.58%. This ratio is derived by dividing the annual rent ($1,080 * 12) by the median home value. This figure indicates that rental income constitutes a relatively small portion of the property's value, suggesting that appreciation may be a stronger driver of returns than rental income alone.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have experienced price cuts are not available for this analysis. However, given the significant gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, the rent-vs-buy dynamics suggest that rental properties are likely more attractive to potential tenants than buying homes. This implies a steady demand for rental units, which could translate into greater stability for investors.
In conclusion, while cashflow from voucher tenants will be marginal, the strong potential for property appreciation and the stability offered by consistent rental demand make this area a favorable investment opportunity for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors.
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.