Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 29353 - 2027

Location: Union County, SC | Metro: Union County, SC HUD Metro FMR Area

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$710
1 Bedroom	$720
2 Bedrooms	$940
3 Bedrooms	$1,150
4 Bedrooms	$1,240
5 Bedrooms	$1,438
6 Bedrooms	$1,611
7 Bedrooms	$1,740
8 Bedrooms	$1,827

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

3,675

Median Household Income

$64,494

Housing Units

1,926

Renter Percentage

18.3%

Occupancy Rate

80.9%

Renter Occupied

285

The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 29353 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Moderate Rehabilitation) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $900 per month for FY 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the local housing conditions and costs. However, the local market rent for a similar unit, according to Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $499 per month.

A Section 8 voucher holder pays a portion of their income towards rent. For ZIP 29353, this is typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. Let's assume a tenant's income is $1,500 per month; their portion would be $450. The remaining balance, up to the SAFMR of $900, is covered by the government. Additionally, there is an allowance for utilities, which can vary but is often around $200 per month.

This means that if a landlord rents out a two-bedroom apartment for the maximum SAFMR of $900, they would receive the following breakdown:

Tenant's payment: 30% of their income, so $450 in our example.
Government reimbursement: The difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's payment, plus any utility allowance. In this case, it would be $900 - $450 = $450, plus the $200 utility allowance, totaling $650.

Therefore, the landlord would receive a total of $900 per month from the voucher program for a two-bedroom apartment. Given that the local market rent is $499, landlords participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 29353 will have a surplus of $401 per month on a two-bedroom rental property. This surplus does not account for potential maintenance and vacancy losses, but it clearly demonstrates the financial advantage of accepting Section 8 vouchers in this area.

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.