Location: Vilas County, WI | Metro: Vilas County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 54519, located within Vilas County, WI, presents a unique profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54519 is set at $1,000 for fiscal year 2026, which is slightly above the market rent figure of $888. This indicates that while rental properties in 54519 might be eligible for higher subsidies under the Section 8 program, the actual rents charged are lower than the FMR.
The median home value in ZIP 54519 stands at $348,697, which is representative of the broader county's housing market. However, the renter share in this ZIP code is 11.5%, suggesting a notable portion of residents rely on rental housing. Typically, Vilas County ZIP codes have a lower renter share, making 54519 somewhat unusual in this regard.
The combination of a slightly elevated FMR compared to the market rent, along with a higher-than-average renter share, suggests that ZIP 54519 could be considered a value pocket within the Vilas County metro. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage the higher subsidy potential to offer affordable rental units, attracting tenants who benefit from Section 8 assistance.
A key observation is the divergence between the relatively high renter share and the below-county average market rent. This characteristic often signals a favorable environment for Section 8 properties, as it implies a demand for subsidized rentals without the corresponding increase in home values that would typically accompany such demand.
To conclude, ZIP 54519 offers an opportunity for investors interested in the Section 8 program due to its alignment with subsidy rates and the presence of a significant number of renters. This makes it a strategic choice for those looking to capitalize on the rental market dynamics within Vilas County, WI.
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.