Location: Pine County, MN | Metro: Aitkin County, MN
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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $222,503 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,450 | $271,552 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,660 | $303,898 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 55072, located in Sandstone, MN, has a population of 4,418 residents, with 27.6% being renters. This indicates that while there is a notable rental presence, it is not overwhelmingly dominant. The median household income stands at $58,144, which provides a baseline for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants.
A typical market rent of $1,045 in this area represents approximately 18% of the median household income. This calculation is derived from dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income ($1,045 / $58,144 * 12 = 18%). Given that the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $1,200 for fiscal year 2026, the actual market rent is slightly below the FMR threshold, suggesting that landlords might be able to attract tenants who qualify for housing vouchers.
The difference between the market rent and the FMR implies that there could be a significant portion of the tenant pool eligible for assistance through housing vouchers. With a market rent of $1,045, many low-income households can afford their rent with the help of vouchers, making it a feasible option for them.
In terms of tenant profiles, landlords in ZIP 55072 should expect a mix of individuals and families who rely on Section 8 vouchers to supplement their housing costs. These tenants will likely have a combined income that falls below the area median, making them prime candidates for subsidized housing programs.
To conclude, although ZIP 55072 is not heavily dominated by renters, it still offers a substantial tenant pool for landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. The lower-than-FMR market rent makes it an attractive location for those seeking affordable housing options, ensuring that landlords can find reliable tenants who can meet their obligations with government assistance.
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.