Location: Clarion County, PA | Metro: Clarion County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 16326 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Standard Amount for Fair Market Rent) is set at $1,020 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay to landlords participating in the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this rate is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local rental market conditions.
The SAFMR does not cover the entire rent; it's designed to subsidize a portion of the cost for eligible tenants. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance does not meet the SAFMR, the difference is paid by the housing authority to ensure the total rent is covered up to the limit. Conversely, if the tenant's share exceeds the SAFMR, the tenant must pay the additional amount out-of-pocket.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,500. Thirty percent of this would be $450, which is the amount they would contribute towards rent. If the utility allowance is $200, the total contribution from the tenant and the utility allowance would be $650. Therefore, the housing authority would pay the remaining $370 to reach the SAFMR of $1,020. This ensures that the landlord receives the full SAFMR even if the tenant's income is lower.
However, since the local market rent for ZIP 16326 is currently unavailable, we can't directly compare the SAFMR to the actual rents being charged in the area. Nonetheless, it's crucial to understand that the SAFMR is a cap on what the government will pay, and landlords should price their rentals accordingly to maximize their participation in the program while still attracting tenants.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 16326, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus depends on the actual market rent. Given the SAFMR of $1,020, if the market rent is higher, landlords will have to absorb the difference above this subsidy level. If the market rent is lower, there won't be a surplus but the landlord will still receive the full SAFMR as long as it doesn't exceed the actual rent charged.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.