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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,645 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,199 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,359 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,540 | $214,688 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $2,040 | $257,349 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $2,280 | $271,862 | 0.84% | C |
| 5BR | $2,645 | $293,917 | 0.9% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 55130 in Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 17,775 residents, it has a rental rate of 54.0%, indicating a significant portion of the community prefers leasing over homeownership. The median income in this area is $54,130, which is relatively modest compared to other parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan region. However, the median home value is notably high at $248,224, suggesting that while many residents rent, those who own homes find themselves in a stable housing market.
The voucher economics in ZIP 55130 are favorable for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,340, which is higher than the market's ZORI (Zillow Observed Rental Index) of $1,254. This means that landlords can potentially charge slightly above the market rate when accepting Section 8 vouchers, providing an opportunity to maintain or even slightly increase their rental income without facing the typical challenges associated with lower-income housing programs.
Based on the data signature, ZIP 55130 appears to be a stable area. The high median home value suggests long-term stability in the housing market, while the modest median income indicates a middle-class community. The rental rate being just over half of the total population also points towards a balanced mix of renters and owners, which typically contributes to neighborhood stability. Furthermore, the slight premium offered by the FMR over the market rate for rentals supports the notion that this ZIP code is a good investment for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for consistent returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.