Location: Winona County, MN | Metro: Winona County, MN
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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,259 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,372 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,340 | $307,531 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $1,610 | $358,951 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 55969 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,120 for the fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent of $808 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to charge rents high enough to cover the costs associated with the FMR.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $304,900. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts indicates a need for caution. Without these metrics, it's challenging to assess the competitiveness of the housing market and the potential risks of overpaying for properties.
Tenant demand is limited in ZIP 55969. The total population stands at 1,169, with only 10.9% being renters. This low renter share implies a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could make it difficult to fill vacancies quickly and maintain steady rental income.
Verdict: ZIP 55969 presents a challenging investment landscape for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The mismatch between the FMR and the actual market rent poses financial risks. While the median home value suggests affordability, the absence of key market indicators makes strategic acquisitions uncertain. Furthermore, the limited tenant demand due to a low renter share means that landlords might face difficulties in maintaining occupancy rates. Therefore, investments in this area should be approached with careful consideration of these factors.
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.