Location: Wood County, WI | Metro: Wood County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 54469, located in Wood County, WI, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the current market rent stands at $934. This creates a positive spread of $36 per unit, ensuring that landlords receive slightly more than the market rate. Additionally, the median home value in the area is $198,300, indicating a stable housing market.
The positive spread between the FMR and the market rent means that landlords can expect a steady and reliable source of income from their properties in ZIP 54469. This makes it an ideal location for anchoring a portfolio's cash flow, as the guaranteed higher-than-market rental rates provide a buffer against potential decreases in property values or increases in maintenance costs.
While there is no specific data on price-cut share or days on market (DOM), the lack of volatility in the housing market suggests that this ZIP code is unlikely to be a strong appreciation play. Appreciation plays typically require a dynamic market where property values are expected to rise significantly over time. However, the stable median home value of $198,300 indicates that such rapid growth is not occurring here.
The ZIP code also has a 19.4% renter share, which is relatively low compared to many urban areas but still significant enough to ensure a steady demand for rental properties. Coupled with the median income of $74,038, it is clear that tenants in this area are likely to be financially stable and capable of meeting their rental obligations. This further supports the idea that ZIP 54469 is a solid choice for a cash-flow anchor, as the likelihood of default or non-payment is reduced.
In conclusion, ZIP 54469 should be considered a cash-flow anchor due to the positive spread between FMR and market rent, as well as the stability provided by the median home value and median income levels. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can rely on this ZIP code to generate consistent and predictable rental income, securing a stable foundation for their investment portfolios.
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.