Location: Trempealeau County, WI | Metro: La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,660 | $361,718 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing analysis for ZIP code 54661 reveals a narrow gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1130, while the Census ACS reports the market rent to be $1144. This represents a difference of just $14, or approximately 1.24%, indicating that the FMR is slightly below the market rate.
The discrepancy suggests that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers in this ZIP code could face a minor reduction in rental income compared to open-market rates. However, this gap is minimal and might not significantly impact overall profitability. Despite the lower FMR, the presence of voucher tenants can still offer a steady and reliable cash flow, which is particularly beneficial given the economic context of the area.
In ZIP 54661, where 25.8% of residents are renters and the median home value stands at $345,096, the decision to accept Section 8 vouchers should be made with an understanding of the local economic conditions. With a median income of $79,720, many residents may rely on government assistance to afford housing. Landlords who accept vouchers contribute to the stability of their tenant base, ensuring consistent rental payments and reducing turnover rates.
While the FMR being slightly below the market rent means landlords will receive less than the open-market rate, the guaranteed payment structure of Section 8 can offset the lower rates. This makes it a strategic choice for those looking to maintain a stable income stream, especially when considering the broader implications of the local housing market and the needs of the community.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.