Location: Waushara County, WI | Metro: Waushara County, WI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 54970, located in Waushara County, WI, reveals several key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the average market rent of $808 based on Census ACS data.
Voucher tenants in ZIP 54970 will cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a stable income stream for property owners. This positive cash flow scenario means that landlords can expect to cover their mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses while still generating profit from their investments.
The median home value in the area is $202,590. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we divide the FMR by the median home value: $970 / $202,590 = 0.0048. This translates to approximately 0.48%, indicating that rental income is relatively low compared to the cost of homeownership. However, this also suggests that the housing market is not overheated, and rental properties can still offer attractive returns.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been discounted are not applicable (N/A) in this context, but these metrics would be relevant if assessing the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics. In this case, the focus remains on rental properties and their performance under the Section 8 program.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 54970 is cashflow. With voucher tenants paying above the market rent, investors can secure steady and predictable income, making this an ideal location for those seeking reliable returns on their real estate investments.
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.