Location: Fond du Lac, WI | Metro: Fond du Lac, WI MSA
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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,308 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,792 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,400 | $234,225 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,780 | $319,905 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,990 | $429,527 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 54937, which encompasses Fond du Lac, WI, and Fond du Lac County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $1130 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR figure is nearly identical to the local market rent, which stands at $1,132 according to the latest Census ACS data.
When a landlord accepts a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom unit, they should understand the payment structure. The voucher program aims to cover most of the rental cost, but it's not a full subsidy. Here's how it breaks down:
The government pays the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent, which is typically 30% of their income. If we assume an average tenant income that requires a subsidy to reach the SAFMR, the government will pay the remainder. For instance, if the tenant's portion is $339 (which is 30% of a hypothetical income), then the government would pay $791 to meet the SAFMR of $1130. However, this is just a general example; actual amounts vary based on individual tenant income levels.
Additionally, there are utility allowances that can be factored into the total reimbursement. These allowances vary but are designed to cover typical utility costs for the area. For ZIP 54937, the utility allowance might add another $200 to $300 per month to the overall reimbursement, depending on the specifics of the lease agreement and the tenant's needs.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 54937 can expect a reimbursement close to the SAFMR of $1130, with the exact amount dependent on the tenant's income and any applicable utility allowances. Given that the local market rent is only slightly higher at $1,132, landlords may find themselves in a minor surplus situation where the total reimbursement slightly exceeds the market rent. This surplus, however, is minimal and does not significantly impact the landlord's financial position.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 54937 is thus negligible, with the SAFMR being almost perfectly aligned with the local market rent. Landlords should carefully consider the administrative aspects and potential delays in receiving payments when deciding whether to accept Section 8 vouchers.
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.