Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54762 - 2027

Location: Dunn County, WI | Metro: Barron County, WI

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$740
1 Bedroom	$780
2 Bedrooms	$1,010
3 Bedrooms	$1,320
4 Bedrooms	$1,690
5 Bedrooms	$1,960
6 Bedrooms	$2,195
7 Bedrooms	$2,371
8 Bedrooms	$2,490

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,232

Median Household Income

$62,778

Housing Units

584

Renter Percentage

19.7%

Occupancy Rate

87.0%

Renter Occupied

100

The median income in ZIP code 54762 stands at $62,778, which presents a challenge for households trying to afford the market rate rent of $750 per month. This figure represents a significant portion of their monthly budget, making it difficult for many residents to secure housing without financial assistance.

To put this into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as determined by HUD for fiscal year 2026, is set at $970. This means that even with a Section 8 voucher, the renter would still need to contribute a portion of their income towards the total rent, increasing the financial burden on the household.

The ZIP code has a population of 1,232, with 19.7% being renters. Given these numbers, the affordability gap suggests a competitive landscape for landlords. Those who can offer rental rates closer to the market rate of $750 may attract more tenants willing to pay out-of-pocket, while others might find success catering to voucher holders willing to pay up to $970.

Landlords in ZIP 54762 should consider the following when deciding between accepting vouchers or focusing on cash-paying tenants:

Voucher Acceptance: Attracting tenants with vouchers can be a stable source of income, as they receive government assistance to cover the majority of the rent. However, landlords must ensure that their properties meet the required standards and be prepared for the administrative process involved in accepting vouchers.
Cash Paying Tenants: Focusing on attracting tenants who can pay the market rate rent of $750 without assistance may reduce the number of potential applicants but could lead to fewer administrative hurdles and potentially higher quality tenants. Landlords should be aware that this strategy may limit their pool of applicants to those with higher incomes or additional sources of funding.

The takeaway for landlords is that understanding the local economic conditions and tenant preferences is crucial. They must weigh the benefits of voucher acceptance against the challenges of finding cash-paying tenants in an area where the median income is below the threshold needed to comfortably afford market-rate rents.

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.