Location: Lee County, SC | Metro: Kershaw County, SC 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $930 | $177,592 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,130 | $260,747 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $349,170 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $1,647 | $362,481 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 29020, which encompasses Camden, SC, and parts of Kershaw County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $920. This is slightly below the local market rent, which stands at $928 according to the latest Census ACS data.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program will receive a payment from the housing authority based on the SAFMR, not the market rent. However, the total amount received can be higher than the SAFMR when you factor in the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. Here’s a breakdown:
So, the total reimbursement a landlord might receive for a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program could be around $870 ($620 voucher payment + $250 utility allowance). This figure is based on a standard tenant income level and average utility allowances. It's important to note that the actual amounts can fluctuate depending on the individual circumstances of the tenant.
Given the local market rent of $928, there is a potential reimbursement gap of about $58 per month for landlords renting out a two-bedroom unit at market rates. This means landlords would need to decide whether they are willing to accept a slightly lower rent compared to the market, or if they will adjust their rental prices to match the SAFMR to avoid any financial shortfall.
In summary, while the SAFMR for ZIP 29020 is $920, landlords should expect a total reimbursement closer to $870 when considering both the voucher payment and utility allowances. This leaves a small surplus or gap relative to the market rent of $928, depending on the landlord's pricing strategy.
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.