Location: Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT | Metro: Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT
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 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,069 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,272 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,900 | $509,647 | 0.37% | F |
| 3BR | $2,520 | $791,106 | 0.32% | F |
| 4BR | $2,900 | $1,479,519 | 0.2% | F |
| 5BR | $3,364 | $2,720,289 | 0.12% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP 06068, which encompasses Salisbury, CT, and parts of Litchfield County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment set at $1,780 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code and reflects the government's assessment of fair rental value within this area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit averages $2,009 according to the latest Census ACS data. This difference highlights the potential challenges and opportunities landlords face when participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord receiving a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 06068 can expect the following payment structure:
The government will pay the difference between the SAFMR ($1,780) and the tenant's portion, which is typically 30% of their income. If the tenant earns $2,000 per month, their contribution would be $600. Therefore, the government would cover the remaining $1,180, bringing the total to $1,780.
Utility allowances are additional payments made to help cover heating, cooling, water, and electricity costs. These allowances vary but can significantly impact the overall reimbursement. For ZIP 06068, the allowance is generally around $300 per month, increasing the potential reimbursement to $2,080.
Note that while the SAFMR is specific to ZIP 06068, the utility allowance calculation may differ based on individual circumstances and the specific terms of the voucher. It’s important for landlords to understand these nuances to accurately assess their financial situation.
In ZIP 06068, given the market rent of $2,009 and the potential reimbursement of $2,080 (including utility allowances), landlords could see a slight surplus of $71 per month. However, this surplus is contingent upon the specific utility allowance and the actual market conditions, which might fluctuate.
To maximize profitability, landlords should ensure that their rental properties meet all HUD standards and that the rent charged does not exceed the SAFMR. By doing so, they can secure steady, government-backed income while potentially earning slightly above the SAFMR due to utility allowances.
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.