Location: Wood County, WI | Metro: Wausau, WI MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 54449, located in Wood County, WI, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This assessment is based on the following data points:
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54449 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $960. In comparison, the current market rent stands at $849, indicating a positive spread of $111 per unit. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can achieve a higher rental income than the local market average, enhancing their cash flow.
Additionally, the median home value in ZIP 54449 is $250,497. This figure represents the typical investment cost for residential properties in the area. With a median income of $67,551, the local population has the financial stability to support long-term tenancy under the Section 8 program.
A cash-flow anchor is critical for any real estate investment portfolio, providing a steady stream of income regardless of market fluctuations. ZIP 54449 meets these criteria well, offering a reliable source of rental income due to the favorable FMR-to-market rent ratio.
While the area does not present significant appreciation potential, with a price-cut share of 0.1%, it remains stable. The lack of days on market (DOM) data suggests that homes are typically sold quickly without extended periods of negotiation, further supporting the idea that ZIP 54449 is a safe bet for cash flow.
In summary, ZIP 54449 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy, given its favorable rent-to-FMR ratio and stable market conditions.
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.