Location: Washburn County, WI | Metro: Sawyer 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 | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,290 | $360,302 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,540 | $555,455 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 54876, Stone Lake, WI, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,230 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $910 reported by the Census ACS. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to achieve rents that meet or exceed the FMR, leading to lower profit margins.
Acquisition in this area is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $457,346. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes sold with price cuts indicates that there might be challenges in accurately gauging the current housing market dynamics. Without these metrics, it's difficult to assess how quickly properties can be turned over or the typical discount required to sell.
Tenant demand in ZIP 54876 is limited. With a total population of 1,712, only 17.8% of residents are renters. This translates to approximately 305 potential tenants, which is a relatively small pool compared to other areas. Given the low renter share, landlords may find it challenging to fill vacancies quickly and consistently.
Verdict: While the median home value offers a reasonable entry point for acquisition, the mismatch between the FMR and the market rent, combined with the limited tenant demand, makes ZIP 54876 less attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking strong returns. The small number of renters and the lower-than-FMR market rents indicate that profitability will be constrained.
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.