Location: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | Metro: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA
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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,200 | $409,672 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 06481, the economics of Section 8 housing can be quite different from the local market conditions. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $1730. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent for a two-bedroom unit in this area. In contrast, the local market rent for a similar-sized apartment is significantly higher at $3,501 according to the Census ACS data.
The SAFMR of $1730 does not account for the total rental cost directly paid by the landlord. Instead, it covers the portion of rent paid by the government on behalf of the tenant. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. This amount, known as the tenant's portion, must be calculated based on the individual tenant's income. For example, if a tenant's monthly income is $2,000, they would owe $600 ($2,000 x 0.30).
Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary depending on the size of the unit and the region. For a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 06481, the utility allowance is typically included in the SAFMR figure. This means that the $1730 SAFMR already accounts for some utility costs, reducing the need for separate payments from the tenant or landlord for these services.
To illustrate, if a landlord charges $3,501 for a two-bedroom apartment, the government would pay up to $1730 under the Section 8 voucher program. If the tenant's portion is $600, then the total payment received by the landlord would be $2,330 ($1730 + $600), which is less than the market rate but still provides a steady stream of income. The remaining $1,171 ($3,501 - $2,330) would represent the shortfall or the gap between the market rent and the combined government and tenant payments.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 06481 who accept Section 8 vouchers should expect to receive a maximum of $1730 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, plus the tenant's contribution based on their income. Given the local market rent of $3,501, there is a typical reimbursement gap of $1,171 for landlords renting a two-bedroom unit at market rates. This gap underscores the importance of understanding the financial implications before participating in the Section 8 program.
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.