Location: Monroe County, WI | Metro: La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,722 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 54614 in the Monroe County, WI metro area reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1010, which is slightly higher than the market rent reported by the Census ACS at $957. This indicates that voucher tenants would generally cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a modest positive cash flow to landlords.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $320,931. Using this figure, we can derive the rent-to-price ratio by dividing the market rent by the median home value. This yields a ratio of approximately 0.3%, suggesting that rental income represents a small portion of the total property value. However, this ratio is useful for comparing the relative attractiveness of renting versus buying in the area.
The dynamics between rent and home prices do not significantly impact the decision-making process for investors, given that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available. These metrics typically help gauge how quickly properties sell and at what price adjustments might be necessary, but their absence here means we must rely on other factors to assess the market.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 54614 is the potential for positive cash flow, thanks to the HUD FMR being above the market rent. This provides a stable source of income with minimal risk of vacancy, making it an attractive option for those seeking consistent returns over time.
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.