Location: Sawyer County, WI | Metro: Bayfield County, WI
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $350,528 | 0.29% | F |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $417,907 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 54821, located in Cable, WI, is situated within the Sawyer County, WI metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54821 is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the average market rent of $859. This suggests that the rental market in Cable, WI is slightly above the average for Sawyer County.
When comparing the median home value of $372,414 in ZIP 54821 to the typical Sawyer County ZIP codes, it appears to be on par with the county's average, indicating that housing prices in Cable are reflective of the broader Sawyer County market.
The renter share in ZIP 54821 stands at 14.5%. While this figure does not necessarily indicate a high concentration of renters compared to other ZIP codes in Sawyer County, it is worth noting that areas with a higher renter share can attract more interest from landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on the demand for rental properties.
Given the specific figures, ZIP 54821 can be classified as a mid-tier neighborhood within the Sawyer County metro. The FMR is slightly elevated compared to the market rent, but the home value aligns closely with the county average. This balance suggests that while there may be opportunities for rental income, the overall cost of homeownership is not significantly lower or higher than the surrounding area.
An interesting observation is the potential for a sweet spot for Section 8 properties, given the relatively high renter share and a market rent that is below the FMR. This combination could make ZIP 54821 an attractive location for investors seeking to manage Section 8 properties, as the higher FMR provides a better reimbursement rate while the below-average market rent might suggest a lower entry barrier for tenants qualifying for Section 8 assistance.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.