Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 54982 - 2027

Location: Waushara County, WI | Metro: Marquette County, WI

Investment Score for ZIP 54982

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,010

Median Price (2BR)

$247,269

1% Rule

0.41%

Annual Yield

4.9%

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	$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

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	$1,010	$247,269	0.41%	F
3BR	$1,320	$330,567	0.4%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

6,958

Median Household Income

$64,201

Housing Units

4,418

Renter Percentage

18.5%

Occupancy Rate

70.5%

Renter Occupied

575

The ZIP code 54982, encompassing Wautoma, Wisconsin, is a small rural community with a modest real estate market. The area is characterized by low population density and a significant portion of residents who own their homes, making it an interesting niche for real estate investors looking to explore opportunities outside major metropolitan areas.

Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026: The FMR for ZIP 54982 is set at $970, indicating the rental price deemed fair by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Market rent: According to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), the average market rent in Wautoma stands at $820, suggesting that the actual rents charged may be below HUD's FMR.
Moderate home values: The median home value in Wautoma is $286,824, which is relatively affordable compared to larger urban centers.
Rental market share: Only 18.5% of the housing units are rented, implying a smaller rental market but also potentially lower competition for landlords.
Days on Market (DOM): Data for the average days a property stays on the market is not available, which could indicate either a stable market or a lack of comprehensive tracking.
Moderate median income: The median household income in Wautoma is $64,201, providing insight into the economic status of potential tenants and buyers.

In summary, the real estate market in Wautoma, WI, offers a unique investment opportunity. With a fair market rent slightly above the actual market rent, investors can expect reasonable returns without overpricing their properties. The lower median home value suggests that purchasing properties for rental purposes or renovation might be cost-effective. However, the limited rental market share indicates that there may be fewer tenants, necessitating careful tenant selection and possibly a focus on owner-occupied properties. The moderate median income implies a steady but not robust economic base, which could affect vacancy rates and rental pricing. Overall, Wautoma presents a conservative yet viable investment option for those willing to navigate its specific market dynamics.

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.