Location: Rusk County, WI | Metro: Price County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 54530 reveals several key insights. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $768 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that voucher tenants can generate positive cash flow for landlords at the FMR rate, meaning they can cover the cost of the property and leave a margin for profit without needing to rely on premium units.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $147,409. Using the HUD FMR of $970, we calculate the rent-to-price ratio to be approximately 1.3%. This low ratio suggests that rental income could be a more attractive option compared to purchasing homes in the area, especially given the current market conditions.
In terms of days on market (DOM), the data is currently not available, but this metric is crucial for assessing the speed of property turnover and the overall health of the housing market. Similarly, the percentage of price cuts is also not available, yet it would provide insight into how often sellers need to adjust their asking prices to attract buyers. These factors are important when considering the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics in the ZIP code.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 54530 is likely cash flow, given the favorable gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This allows landlords to maintain profitability while participating in a government-assisted program that ensures steady tenant income.
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.