Location: Marlboro County, SC | Metro: Marlboro County, SC
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 29516 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,060 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will reimburse landlords for renting a unit under the Section 8 program. However, it's important to note that local market rents are currently not available, making it difficult to compare the SAFMR to the actual rental market conditions in the area.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between what a low-income family can afford to pay and the SAFMR. Typically, tenants contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, and HUD covers the rest up to the $1,060 limit. If the tenant's portion plus any utility allowances exceed the SAFMR, the landlord will not receive additional funds from HUD to cover those costs. Utility allowances vary but are generally around $300-$400 per month, depending on the size of the household and the number of bedrooms in the unit.
To illustrate, if a tenant in ZIP 29516 has an adjusted income that allows them to pay $300 toward rent, the total reimbursement for a two-bedroom unit would be $660 ($300 tenant contribution + $360 utility allowance), assuming the higher end of utility allowances. This leaves a potential reimbursement gap for landlords who charge above the SAFMR. Conversely, if the market rent is below the SAFMR, landlords might see a surplus in their reimbursement.
In ZIP 29516, given the SAFMR of $1,060, landlords should ensure that their rent does not exceed this amount unless they are willing to absorb the cost difference themselves. The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom unit, based on a $300 tenant contribution and a $360 utility allowance, would be $400 ($1,060 - $300 - $360). This gap represents the shortfall landlords might face if they charge more than the SAFMR. If market rents are lower than the SAFMR, landlords could potentially benefit from a surplus.
Landlords must also consider that the SAFMR is specific to ZIP 29516, meaning it is tailored to reflect the local rental market conditions more accurately than a broader metro or county-level FMR would. This specificity helps ensure that the rent charged aligns closely with what is considered fair in the immediate vicinity.
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.