Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 57576 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Skeptical investors looking at ZIP 57576 may raise several concerns about investing in the area. Here, we address three key objections with available data.

• Will FMR $980 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a N/A home? According to recent forecasts, the average home value in South Haven, MI, which includes ZIP 57576, is expected to be around $368,537 by March 2026. This represents a 1.9% increase over the past year. However, the data does not provide an exact figure for mortgage payments. To accurately assess whether the FMR can cover the mortgage, you would need to calculate the monthly payment based on current interest rates and the home's purchase price. Given the average home value, it's likely that the FMR will not fully cover the mortgage unless the property is purchased below the average price or interest rates are low.
• Is there enough renter demand at 4.7%? The rental vacancy rate in ZIP 57576 stands at 4.7%, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The latest national data indicates a 7.6% vacancy rate for the nation's 50 largest metros. This suggests that there is strong demand for rentals in South Haven, with fewer units becoming vacant. Low vacancy rates can be beneficial for landlords, as they indicate a robust rental market where properties are quickly occupied.
• Will vouchers keep pace with N/A market rents? While the specific market rents for ZIP 57576 are not detailed in the data, the Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for the Housing Choice Voucher Program are updated annually to reflect changes in the housing market. The FMR for the area is set at $980 for FY 2026. This means that the housing vouchers should theoretically cover the average market rent, assuming the market rents do not exceed the FMR. However, the data does not specify how well the voucher amounts will align with actual market rents in ZIP 57576, leaving some uncertainty about whether vouchers will fully cover the costs of renting.

The data available provides insights into the potential challenges and benefits of investing in ZIP 57576. Despite the limitations in the data, such as the lack of specific mortgage figures and precise market rent comparisons, the overall picture indicates a promising investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.