Location: Ashland County, WI | Metro: Ashland County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 54855, potential issues for Section 8 landlords include higher tenant turnover rates due to the significant gap between the market rent of $775 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for FY 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy can lead to dissatisfaction among tenants who might seek more affordable housing options, thereby increasing the likelihood of frequent moves.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenants. However, given the higher FMR compared to market rent, landlords may face challenges in attracting tenants willing to pay the higher Section 8 rent, potentially leading to prolonged vacancies.
The deferred maintenance risk is also noteworthy. With a typical home value of $215,201 and a median household income of $56,875, homeowners may struggle to afford necessary repairs and maintenance, especially if they rely on rental income to supplement their finances. This financial strain could result in poorly maintained properties, which might affect the overall quality of the rental units and the satisfaction of Section 8 tenants.
On the other hand, the high renter share of 14.9% in ZIP 54855 suggests a robust demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. High renter density often correlates with a greater number of individuals seeking government-subsidized housing, thus increasing the pool of potential tenants and reducing the risk of extended vacancies.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 54855.
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.