Location: Forest County, WI | Metro: Forest County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 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 market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 54541 reveals that voucher tenants can cashflow at the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,000 per month for the Forest County, WI metro area (FY 2026). The Census ACS reports the average market rent at $579 per month, indicating that voucher tenants can achieve positive cashflow even without premium units.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the median home value of $185,660. This ratio is calculated by dividing the annual rent by the home value. In this case, the monthly rent is $579, so the annual rent is $7,948. Dividing $7,948 by $185,660 yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 4.28%. This suggests that rental income is relatively low compared to home values, which could indicate a stronger preference for homeownership over renting in the area.
Given the limited data available regarding days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, it's difficult to provide specific figures. However, the absence of these metrics does not necessarily detract from the analysis. In ZIP 54541, the strong cashflow potential from Section 8 vouchers outweighs the need for detailed rent-versus-buy dynamics.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cashflow. With the FMR significantly higher than the market rent, landlords can expect a reliable source of income that exceeds typical market rates, ensuring a steady and predictable financial return.
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.