Location: Portage County, WI | Metro: Portage County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 54458 in Portage County, WI reveals several key points for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
First, the rent math does not favorably align with the Federal Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026, compared to the actual market rent of $790 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that properties in this area may struggle to meet the income requirements needed for Section 8 participation, making it less financially viable for landlords to accept Section 8 tenants.
Second, the acquisition cost in this ZIP code appears to be challenging due to limited data. The median home value is listed as N/A, indicating a lack of recent sales data which could make it difficult to assess property values accurately. Similarly, the average number of days on the market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price reductions are also marked as N/A, suggesting a possible lack of activity or transparency in the local real estate market.
Third, there is a modest tenant demand in ZIP 54458. With a total population of 133, only 24.2% of residents are renters. This relatively low renter share means that the pool of potential tenants is smaller, which could impact the ability to quickly lease out properties.
Verdict: ZIP code 54458 presents significant challenges for Section 8 real estate investment. The gap between the FMR and the market rent indicates that accepting Section 8 tenants would likely result in lower rental income. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive data on median home values, days on the market, and price-cut percentages complicates the assessment of property affordability and market activity. Lastly, the small population and low renter share suggest a limited demand for rental properties. These factors collectively point to a less favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter this market with Section 8 properties.
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.