Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54443 - 2027

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

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$720
1 Bedroom	$810
2 Bedrooms	$1,040
3 Bedrooms	$1,360
4 Bedrooms	$1,370
5 Bedrooms	$1,589
6 Bedrooms	$1,780
7 Bedrooms	$1,922
8 Bedrooms	$2,018

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,145

Median Household Income

$99,423

Housing Units

1,040

Renter Percentage

10.1%

Occupancy Rate

84.4%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 54443, located in a suburban setting within Wisconsin, offers a stable environment for real estate investments. The area benefits from a mix of residential properties, including both single-family homes and rental units, making it attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for consistent returns.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 54443 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $940, indicating a reasonable benchmark for rental pricing.
The actual market rent for the area, according to Census ACS data, is slightly lower at $924, suggesting that the rental market is competitive but still viable.
The median home value in ZIP 54443 stands at $343,419, which provides a solid base for property appreciation over time.
Renters make up 10.1% of the housing market in this area, showing that while homeownership is prevalent, there is still a significant demand for rental properties.
The median income of residents in ZIP 54443 is $99,423, indicating that tenants have the financial capacity to afford higher rents without compromising their ability to pay.
Unfortunately, the Days on Market (DOM) data is not available, which would have been useful for assessing how quickly properties are typically sold or rented in the area.

In summary, ZIP 54443 presents a balanced opportunity for real estate investment, with a fair rental market and a strong economic foundation. While the FMR and market rent are close, the slightly lower market rent suggests potential for modest growth if property management practices can be optimized. The high median income supports the feasibility of maintaining steady rental rates, and the median home value offers a promising outlook for long-term appreciation. However, the lack of DOM data leaves some uncertainty regarding the speed at which properties can be turned over, which should be considered when evaluating liquidity needs.

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.