Location: Fillmore County, MN | Metro: La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $175,417 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $199,871 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 55954, located in Mabel, Minnesota, presents a dynamic rental market influenced by several key factors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $950 for fiscal year 2024, indicating a benchmark that landlords can use to price their units competitively. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $779. This suggests that while there is room for landlords to increase rents, the current market conditions favor affordability.
The median home value in Mabel is $214,954, which is a significant figure for homeowners but also reflects on the rental market. In areas with higher median home values, the cost of homeownership can be prohibitive, pushing potential buyers into the rental market. This dynamic could explain why the renter share of the population is 12.7%. While this percentage might seem low, it points to a steady demand for rentals due to the high cost of homeownership, which can translate into long-term housing pressure.
The lack of data regarding the percentage of price-cut share and days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to determine if supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the gap between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests that demand might not be strong enough to push rents up to the fair market level, indicating a balanced or slightly oversupplied market. Landlords should be cautious about pricing their properties above the market rate, as this could lead to longer vacancy periods and lower occupancy rates.
In summary, ZIP 55954 is a market characterized by affordability in both rental and home purchase options. The rental market is somewhat competitive, but not overly so, with a moderate demand driven by the high cost of homeownership. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, understanding these dynamics is crucial for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions about property management and investment strategies.
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.