Location: Winona County, MN | Metro: Rochester, 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 | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,471 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,989 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,270 | $234,636 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $284,758 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $2,130 | $355,493 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 55964, located in Plainview, MN within Wabasha and Winona Counties, reveals several key insights. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for this area in fiscal year 2024 is $1110. In contrast, the Census ACS reports the market rent at $848. This significant gap indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at FMR levels, providing a strong financial benefit to landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value of $289,049. Using the reported market rent of $848, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.3%, suggesting a relatively low cost to own property compared to renting it out. This ratio supports the idea that owning rental properties in this area can be financially advantageous, especially when factoring in the higher FMR payments from voucher tenants.
Regarding the days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, the data is currently unavailable. However, these metrics would typically influence the decision between buying and renting. Given the positive cashflow scenario and the favorable rent-to-price ratio, the absence of DOM and price-cut share does not significantly detract from the overall investment appeal.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 55964 is cashflow. The substantial difference between HUD's FMR and the actual market rent means that landlords can expect to see consistent, positive cashflow from Section 8 tenants without the need to offer premium units. This makes the area particularly attractive for those looking to generate steady income through rental investments.
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.