Location: Rusk County, WI | Metro: Rusk County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 54731 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Firstly, tenant turnover is a significant concern. The market rent stands at $1,268, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 in the metro area is set at $1,350. This discrepancy suggests that tenants may be attracted by the higher FMR but could struggle to maintain market rent levels when their leases expire, leading to increased turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another issue. With the days on market (DOM) being N/A, it's difficult to gauge how long properties might remain vacant between tenancies. High vacancy periods can translate into lost rental income, which is particularly problematic given the reliance on government subsidies that may not cover the full market rent.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. The typical home value is listed as N/A, but the median household income in the area is $57,188. This figure indicates that residents might have limited financial resources to invest in property upkeep, potentially increasing maintenance costs for landlords.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 18.1%. A larger proportion of renters often correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, making it more likely for landlords to find tenants willing to use Section 8 vouchers. This demand can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income despite the initial challenges.
In conclusion, the verdict for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 54731 is moderate risk. While there are significant concerns regarding tenant turnover and potential maintenance costs, the high renter share mitigates some of these risks by ensuring a robust pool of voucher holders looking for housing.
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.