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 | $296,247 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,040 | $341,931 | 0.6% | F |
| 4BR | $2,280 | $401,907 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1270 for ZIP code 55349 in Howard Lake, MN, for fiscal year 2024, landlords have a clear benchmark for rental pricing. The actual market rent stands at $937 according to the latest Census ACS data, indicating a potential opportunity to adjust rents upwards to align with the FMR without significantly impacting occupancy rates. The median home value of $342,484 suggests a stable housing market, providing solid returns on investment for property owners. Renter share in the area is 18.0%, which means there's a substantial portion of the population relying on rental properties, creating a steady demand. Median income at $99,444 offers insight into the financial capacity of residents, though it does not directly correlate with the ability to pay higher rents. Unfortunately, data regarding the average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of listings that experience price cuts are currently unavailable, which might indicate a lack of recent transactions or a robust local real estate market where such metrics are less critical. Given the alignment between the FMR and the potential market adjustments, coupled with the strong median home value and stable renter demographics, Howard Lake, MN, presents a favorable environment for Section 8 participation. Landlords can expect consistent tenant support and fair rental compensation.
Section 8 Verdict: Suitable for participation, given the favorable FMR and market conditions.
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.