Location: Waupaca County, WI | Metro: Shawano County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 54486, located in Waupaca County, WI, presents an interesting market for Section 8 investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, including ZIP 54486, is set at $1,090 for fiscal year 2026. However, the market rent as per Census ACS data is currently $1,003. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR level, albeit marginally.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we consider the median home value in ZIP 54486, which stands at $256,431. This yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.42%, calculated as ($1,003 * 12) / $256,431. This ratio suggests that rental income represents a modest portion of the overall home value, indicating a relatively stable market where rental income alone might not cover all expenses without some premium units.
While the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not directly available, these metrics typically play a role in assessing the balance between renting and buying. In ZIP 54486, the strong stability of the market is evident, as evidenced by the consistent median home values and the close alignment of HUD FMR and market rent.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 54486 is stability. Given the moderate rent-to-price ratio and the marginal cashflow from voucher tenants, the predictability and consistency of the local real estate market offer a reliable investment opportunity.
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.