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 | $1,780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,408 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,332 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,599 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,200 | $264,500 | 0.83% | C |
| 2BR | $2,550 | $559,950 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $3,060 | $775,590 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $3,800 | $954,282 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $4,408 | $1,143,171 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 06907, located in Stamford, Connecticut, within Fairfield County, are defined by specific financial metrics. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $2310 per month for FY 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive from the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit in this particular ZIP code.
Contrastingly, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom property, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $2,700 per month. This highlights a significant difference between the market rent and the SAFMR, which can affect a landlord's decision to participate in the Section 8 program.
To understand how the voucher actually pays out, it's essential to factor in both the tenant's portion and the utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their income towards rent. If we assume an average tenant income that would require them to pay around $693 (30% of $2310), then the landlord would receive the remaining $1617 from the Section 8 program. However, the exact amount depends on the tenant's income level.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances that can vary based on the property's energy efficiency and the type of utilities used. These allowances are designed to cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer. For ZIP 06907, the utility allowance is included in the overall SAFMR calculation but is not separately specified here.
Given these factors, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 06907 is the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR. In this case, the gap is $390 per month ($2700 - $2310). This means that landlords who choose to accept Section 8 vouchers for a two-bedroom unit in this ZIP code will receive $390 less per month compared to the local market rent.
Landlords must weigh the benefits of stable, government-backed rental income against the potential shortfall when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program for properties in ZIP 06907. The SAFMR being lower than the market rent creates a predictable economic scenario where landlords should prepare for a reimbursement that is consistently below the local rental rates.
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.