Location: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | Metro: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, 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 | $1,620 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,014 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,496 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,856 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,099 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,000 | $369,695 | 0.54% | F |
| 2BR | $2,320 | $456,062 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,780 | $549,764 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $3,460 | $784,500 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $4,014 | $890,422 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP 06482, Newtown, CT, revolve around the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) set specifically for this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is $2560. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a tenant who participates in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,835 for a similar two-bedroom unit. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, which might seem advantageous at first glance. However, the actual reimbursement to landlords depends on the tenant's portion of the rent and utility allowances.
A voucher holder typically pays 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 (for illustration purposes), the tenant would pay approximately $450 towards rent. The remainder, up to the SAFMR limit, is covered by the housing authority. Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary but are generally modest. For Newtown, these allowances might be around $200 per month, bringing the total allowable reimbursement closer to $650.
This means the landlord receives a combination of the tenant's contribution and the housing authority's payment, up to the SAFMR of $2560. In practice, the housing authority will pay the difference between the tenant's share and the SAFMR, minus any utility allowance. Thus, if the tenant's share is $450 and the utility allowance is $200, the housing authority would pay the remaining $1910 ($2560 - $450 - $200).
In Newtown, where the market rent is $1,835, the landlord could potentially receive a surplus. By charging the SAFMR rate of $2560, the landlord would receive a reimbursement of $2360 ($1910 from the housing authority plus $450 from the tenant). This leaves a surplus of $525 per month over the typical market rent.
However, it’s important to note that the SAFMR is a ceiling, and the housing authority may negotiate lower rates based on market conditions. Landlords should also factor in the administrative costs associated with participating in the Section 8 program, such as inspections and paperwork.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 06482, Newtown, CT, is a surplus of $525 per month over the local market rent of $1,835 when the landlord charges the full SAFMR of $2560. This surplus is due to the higher SAFMR compared to the local market rent, making participation in the Section 8 program financially viable for most landlords.
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.