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 | $1,610 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,956 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,431 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,785 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,024 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,980 | $409,347 | 0.48% | F |
| 2BR | $2,350 | $667,827 | 0.35% | F |
| 3BR | $2,860 | $1,027,854 | 0.28% | F |
| 4BR | $3,410 | $1,353,494 | 0.25% | F |
| 5BR | $3,956 | $1,975,809 | 0.2% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 06897, Wilton, Connecticut, in Fairfield County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $3210 per month for fiscal year 2024. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local housing conditions.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is significantly higher, running at $4,530 per month according to ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index). This means landlords can expect a discrepancy between market rates and the SAFMR rate when participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord should understand that a voucher does not cover the entire rent amount. Tenants are responsible for paying a portion of the rent, typically around 30% of their income. In addition to the tenant's contribution, there are utility allowances which vary but generally do not bridge the gap between the SAFMR and the market rent.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion is $1,000 (this is an example based on the typical 30% rule and would need to be calculated based on actual tenant income), and the utility allowance is $200, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $3210 (SAFMR) + $1,000 (tenant portion) + $200 (utility allowance) = $4,510. However, this is contingent upon the tenant’s income and the specific utility allowance agreed upon.
In ZIP 06897, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment is a surplus of $20, given the market rent is $4,530 and the maximum SAFMR plus tenant contribution and utility allowance totals $4,510. Landlords will receive slightly less than the market rent, but still a substantial amount that covers the majority of the cost.
It's important to note that the SAFMR is a cap, meaning even if the market rent is higher, the government will only pay up to the SAFMR rate. Therefore, landlords must ensure that their rental properties are priced competitively to attract tenants while also being mindful of the economic realities of 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.