Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54829 - 2027

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

Investment Score for ZIP 54829

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,130

Median Price (2BR)

$310,738

1% Rule

0.36%

Annual Yield

4.36%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$820
1 Bedroom	$860
2 Bedrooms	$1,130
3 Bedrooms	$1,460
4 Bedrooms	$1,860
5 Bedrooms	$2,158
6 Bedrooms	$2,417
7 Bedrooms	$2,610
8 Bedrooms	$2,741

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,130	$310,738	0.36%	F
3BR	$1,460	$349,065	0.42%	F
4BR	$1,860	$389,521	0.48%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

5,446

Median Household Income

$66,538

Housing Units

3,167

Renter Percentage

20.0%

Occupancy Rate

73.4%

Renter Occupied

464

Cumberland, Wisconsin, located in ZIP code 54829, is a small town that offers opportunities for real estate investors interested in the rental market. The area is characterized by a mix of homeowners and renters, with a significant portion of the population relying on rental properties for housing. This analysis provides insights into the current market conditions and trends relevant to landlords and small-portfolio investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Cumberland is set at $1,070 per month for the fiscal year 2026, indicating the government's benchmark for what is considered a reasonable rental price in the area.
The average market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $914 per month, which is below the FMR, suggesting there might be room for slight rent increases without alienating tenants.
The median home value in Cumberland is $321,428, reflecting the overall property values in the town and providing a reference point for potential investments.
Renters make up 20.0% of the housing market, showing that while Cumberland has a strong owner-occupied housing base, there is still a notable demand for rental units.
The median household income in Cumberland is $66,538, giving investors an idea of the financial capacity of the local residents to afford higher rents or more expensive homes.
Data on the number of days on market (DOM) is currently unavailable, which means investors will need to rely on other indicators to gauge how quickly properties are selling or renting in the area.

Synthesizing these points, Cumberland presents a balanced market for real estate investment, particularly in rentals. With the FMR above the current market rent, there is potential for modest rent hikes, especially if the quality of the rental property is improved. The median home value suggests that Cumberland is not overpriced, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the market. The 20.0% renter share indicates a steady demand for rental properties, but also shows that Cumberland is not heavily reliant on rental income, which could stabilize the market. Lastly, understanding the local economy through the median income can help in setting realistic expectations for rental prices and property values. Despite the lack of DOM data, the overall picture points towards a promising, yet stable, investment opportunity in Cumberland's real estate market.

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.