Location: Nassau-Suffolk, NY | Metro: Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,280 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,794 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,178 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,437 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,700 | $590,486 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $3,470 | $672,350 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $3,690 | $709,983 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $4,280 | $779,125 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 11553, which encompasses Uniondale, NY, in Nassau County, revolve around the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, set at $2450 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, ensuring it reflects local rental conditions accurately. In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit, as indicated by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $3,210.
Landlords participating in the Section 8 program receive payments based on the SAFMR, but they must also consider the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1633.33 (the amount where 30% equals the SAFMR), the tenant would contribute about $490 to the monthly rent. Utility allowances can vary, but let's use a conservative estimate of $100 per month for utilities.
Therefore, the total monthly reimbursement a landlord might expect from the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment would be the sum of the SAFMR ($2450) and the utility allowance ($100), totaling $2550. When adding the tenant's portion ($490), the landlord receives a combined $3040. However, since the local market rent is $3,210, there is a shortfall of $170 per month between the market rent and the reimbursement received from the Section 8 program.
This shortfall represents the typical reimbursement gap for landlords in Uniondale, NY, who participate in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit. Despite this gap, many landlords find the program beneficial due to the stability it provides, as well as the reduced risk of non-payment compared to market-rate tenants. It's important to note that the exact reimbursement amounts can vary depending on the tenant's income and other factors, but the overall economic impact remains consistent with these figures.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.