Location: Washburn County, WI | Metro: Barron County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 54813, the economics of Section 8 vouchers can be quite straightforward when you understand the key components. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards the rent of a two-bedroom unit in this specific area.
However, it's important to note that the local market rent, according to the Census ACS, is lower at $767. This means that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent in ZIP 54813, which could potentially benefit landlords who participate in the program.
A voucher payment typically covers the difference between the market rent and the tenant's portion, which is generally 30% of their income. For example, if a tenant's income is $1,000 per month, their portion would be $300. If the market rent is $767, the voucher would cover the remaining $467. However, the voucher cannot exceed the SAFMR of $970.
Additionally, the voucher includes an allowance for utilities. This allowance varies but is designed to cover the tenant's reasonable utility costs. Let's assume the utility allowance is approximately $200. This means the total reimbursement a landlord might receive from the voucher program for a two-bedroom unit could be around $667 ($467 for rent and $200 for utilities).
The SAFMR being higher than the local market rent creates a potential surplus for landlords. In ZIP 54813, where the market rent is $767 and the SAFMR is $970, the voucher program has room to cover more than the market rent, up to the SAFMR limit. This means landlords could potentially charge closer to the SAFMR without leaving a significant gap.
To summarize, a landlord in ZIP 54813 can expect the voucher to cover most of the market rent, with some flexibility to charge closer to the SAFMR. Given the market rent is $767 and the SAFMR is $970, there is a $203 surplus available to landlords. This surplus allows landlords to potentially increase their rental rates while still being covered by the voucher program, making Section 8 participation economically viable in this ZIP code.
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.