Location: Taylor County, WI | Metro: Price County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape in ZIP code 54490 presents several challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 properties. Tenant turnover is a significant risk due to the disparity between the market rent of $588 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This gap can lead to higher tenant churn rates as individuals seek to maximize their housing subsidies, potentially resulting in frequent property turnovers that increase maintenance costs and management efforts.
Vacancy exposure is another critical concern. The lack of data on Days on Market (DOM) suggests that there might be periods where properties remain vacant longer than anticipated, particularly if the market rent does not align with the financial expectations of tenants. This uncertainty can impact cash flow negatively, especially during prolonged vacancies.
Deferred maintenance poses a threat as well. With a typical home value of $215,944 and a median income of $67,981, homeowners may struggle to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs, leading to potential safety hazards and compliance issues that could affect the property's eligibility for Section 8 tenancy.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 11.7% of the population being renters. High renter density generally translates into a robust demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and ensure consistent rental income. Despite the challenges, the strong presence of renters indicates a steady pool of potential Section 8 tenants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.