Location: Dunn County, WI | Metro: Eau Claire, WI MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 54739 reveals a balanced scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering the parameters of rent math, acquisition affordability, and tenant demand.
The rent math works favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54739 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1090, which closely aligns with the market rent reported by the Census ACS at $1,091. This parity indicates that landlords can expect to charge rents that meet both the government standards and the local market conditions without significant adjustments.
Acquisition in ZIP 54739 is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $371,401, potential investors have a clear benchmark for property costs. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that had their prices cut suggests a need for caution. Without these metrics, it's difficult to assess the competitiveness of the housing market and the ease of acquiring properties at favorable terms.
Tenant demand is present but limited by the size of the population. ZIP 54739 has a total population of 5,549, with 23.7% of residents being renters. This translates to approximately 1,316 renters, providing a stable base of potential tenants. However, the relatively small number of renters means that competition for tenants could be high, necessitating well-maintained and competitively priced rental units.
Verdict: ZIP 54739 presents a viable investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the alignment between FMR and market rent. Despite moderate home values, the lack of detailed market liquidity indicators requires careful consideration. Tenant demand exists, though it is constrained by the small population size. Investors should focus on offering quality rental properties at competitive rates to attract and retain tenants effectively.
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.