Location: Wood County, WI | Metro: Wood County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP code 54495 presents a unique scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors, with implications that span both the purchase and rental sides of the equation. At the core of this analysis is the median home value of $173,975, which serves as a foundational metric for understanding the overall market health and potential for growth.
The fact that only 0.2% of listings have been reduced signals a market where sellers maintain strong pricing power. This indicates that demand for homes in the area remains robust relative to supply, suggesting that buyers are willing to pay asking prices without significant concessions. The N/A-day median Days on Market (DOM) could imply either an exceptionally quick sale process or a data anomaly, but when combined with the low percentage of price reductions, it supports the notion of a seller's market.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for the fiscal year 2026 contrasts sharply with the current market rate of $834, based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests a potential upward trend in rental prices, driven by government standards that often lead the way in setting market expectations. Landlords and investors can anticipate a gradual increase in rental income, aligning their rates closer to the FMR over time as the market adjusts.
For long-term hold investors, the setup implies a moderate appreciation thesis. The combination of a seller's market and increasing rental standards points toward a steady growth in property values, albeit at a conservative pace. While rapid appreciation is not likely, the fundamentals suggest that properties will retain and gradually increase their value, providing a reliable investment vehicle for those looking to capitalize on long-term trends rather than short-term gains.
To summarize, the data points to a market where pricing power leans heavily towards sellers, with a potential for modest growth in both home values and rental incomes. This environment supports a strategy focused on acquiring well-priced properties and maintaining them at competitive rental levels, ensuring a solid return on investment over the next 12 to 24 months.
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.