Location: Clark County, WI | Metro: Clark County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 54456 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026. However, the local market rent, based on Census ACS data, averages $778. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding how the voucher system works.
A Section 8 voucher is designed to cover the difference between what a tenant can afford and the rent of a qualifying unit. For a two-bedroom unit, the tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income. If we assume an average adjusted income of $2,000 per month, the tenant would pay $600 towards rent. The remainder, up to the SAFMR of $970, is then covered by the housing authority. In this case, the housing authority would pay the landlord $370 per month ($970 - $600).
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances. These vary but generally provide a fixed amount to cover electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. Let's say the utility allowance is $150 per month. This means the total reimbursement from the housing authority would be $1,120 ($970 + $150).
However, it's crucial to note that the local market rent is significantly lower at $778. Therefore, if a landlord charges the SAFMR of $970, they will face a reimbursement gap. The landlord would receive $1,120 from the housing authority but must ensure the total rent and utilities do not exceed the SAFMR. Thus, the landlord should charge a rent of $820 ($970 - $150), which is still above the market rate of $778, ensuring a surplus of $42 per month ($820 - $778).
To summarize, in ZIP 54456, landlords participating in Section 8 for a two-bedroom unit should expect a reimbursement of $1,120 per month, comprising $820 for rent and $150 for utilities. This results in a surplus of $42 over the local market rent of $778.
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.