Location: Rochester, NY | Metro: Rochester, NY 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,891 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,570 | $147,645 | 1.06% | B |
| 3BR | $1,890 | $170,416 | 1.11% | B |
| 4BR | $2,060 | $170,719 | 1.21% | A |
| 5BR | $2,390 | $204,655 | 1.17% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 14619, located in Rochester, NY, within Monroe County, revolve around the Subsidized Average Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) which is specifically set for this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is $1370. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards rent under the Section 8 program.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $1330. This indicates that the SAFMR is slightly above the average market rent, providing landlords with a slight advantage when participating in the Section 8 program.
A voucher holder's rent payment is calculated based on 30% of their adjusted income. If the tenant's portion is below the SAFMR, the difference is subsidized by the government up to the $1370 limit. Utility allowances are also provided, but these do not directly affect the rental payment to the landlord. They are intended to help cover the cost of utilities for the tenant.
To illustrate, if a tenant's 30% contribution is $1000, the government would subsidize the remaining $370 to reach the SAFMR of $1370. However, if the tenant's contribution is higher than the SAFMR, such as $1400, the landlord would still only receive $1370, with the tenant paying the excess directly.
In ZIP 14619, landlords can expect the typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom apartment to be close to the SAFMR of $1370. Given the local market rent is $1330, landlords participating in the Section 8 program can anticipate a slight surplus of about $40 per month over the average market rent.
This economic structure ensures that landlords are compensated at a rate that is competitive with the local market while also providing affordable housing options for low-income families. It's important for landlords to understand that the SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the local conditions and costs accurately.
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.