Location: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN | Metro: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,367 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,535 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,350 | $213,156 | 0.63% | D |
| 2BR | $1,640 | $271,434 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $2,140 | $330,171 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $2,400 | $385,788 | 0.62% | D |
| 5BR | $2,784 | $445,519 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 55109, Maplewood, MN, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1530 for the fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the market's actual rent, measured by Zillow's ZORI index, is currently at $1386. This indicates that voucher tenants can cashflow positively at the FMR rate, as it exceeds the prevailing market rents.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $336,454. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. At an annual rent of $1386 multiplied by 12 months, the yearly rental income is approximately $16,632. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of roughly 4.95%, indicating a relatively low cost of ownership relative to property value.
The real estate market in Maplewood also shows strong liquidity with a median Days on Market (DOM) of just 23 days, suggesting that properties move quickly once listed. Additionally, the low price-cut share of 0.2% implies that sellers are generally achieving their asking prices without significant concessions, which can be indicative of a robust local economy supporting housing values.
Given these factors, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 55109 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR exceeding the market rent, landlords can expect positive cashflow from voucher tenants, making this area particularly attractive for those focused on generating consistent rental income.
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.