Location: Rusk County, WI | Metro: Eau Claire, WI MSA
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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,430 | $374,406 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 54757, located in Rusk County, WI metro, reveals several key insights. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this area is set at $940 for the fiscal year 2024. In comparison, the Census ACS data shows that the average market rent is $917. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at FMR, providing a positive net income for landlords without the need for premium units.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 54757, which stands at $336,390. By dividing the HUD FMR by the median home value, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. This ratio comes out to approximately 0.28%, suggesting a stable rental market where property values do not significantly impact the ability to maintain rents at or near FMR levels.
The dynamics between rental and buying markets in this area are balanced, as evidenced by the N/A-day median Days on Market (DOM) and the N/A% of homes experiencing price cuts. These figures indicate that there is no significant pressure from the housing market that would compel landlords to lower rents below FMR to attract tenants.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 54757 is cashflow. With voucher tenants paying above the market average, landlords can expect steady and reliable income without the need for higher-end units. This makes the area particularly attractive for small-portfolio investors looking to maximize their returns through consistent rental income.
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.