Location: Vilas County, WI | Metro: Oneida County, WI
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $308,242 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $1,240 | $380,392 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 54568, which encompasses Woodruff, WI, and the broader Vilas County metro area, reveals a favorable environment for investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by HUD for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This figure is notably higher than the average market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $771. As such, voucher tenants in this area will generally cashflow at the FMR level, providing a significant buffer for landlords.
To further contextualize this, consider the median home value in ZIP 54568, which is $316,948. Using the HUD FMR of $970, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.0031, indicating that rental income represents about 0.31% of the median home value. This ratio suggests that while the rental market may not be booming, it offers a stable income stream relative to property values.
Regarding the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, the data is currently not available. However, the absence of these metrics does not significantly impact the overall analysis since the primary focus is on the comparison between market rents and the HUD FMR. The key insight here is that voucher holders can afford to pay more than the typical market rent, thus enhancing cash flow for landlords.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cash flow. Given the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, landlords can expect a positive cash flow even without premium units, making this an attractive investment opportunity for those seeking reliable returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.