Location: Jacksonville, FL | Metro: Jacksonville, FL 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 | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,714 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,283 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,530 | $165,562 | 0.92% | C |
| 3BR | $1,880 | $272,244 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,340 | $358,685 | 0.65% | D |
| 5BR | $2,714 | $439,429 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 32277, located in Jacksonville, FL, within Duval County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1460 for the fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the unique cost dynamics within the area.
Local market rents, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), run slightly below the SAFMR at $1,449. For landlords participating in the Section 8 program, it's important to understand how the reimbursement works. The voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance, plus the subsidy provided by the Housing Authority.
The tenant's portion is generally 30% of their adjusted income. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,800 per month, the tenant would contribute approximately $540 towards the rent. The remaining amount is subsidized by the government up to the SAFMR limit.
In addition to the rent subsidy, there is also a utility allowance. For a two-bedroom apartment, this allowance can vary but typically ranges between $200 to $300 per month. This allowance is meant to cover the tenant's electricity, water, and gas expenses, and it is included in the total reimbursement to the landlord.
To illustrate, if the total rent is $1460 and the tenant contributes $540, the government would subsidize the difference, which is $920. Adding a utility allowance of $250, the landlord would receive a total of $1170 per month. This means the landlord would be short by $290 compared to the SAFMR, resulting in a reimbursement gap.
The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 32277 is therefore $290 per month. Landlords should factor this into their decision-making process when considering participation in the Section 8 program. Despite the gap, many landlords find the program beneficial due to the stability it provides, as well as the reduced risk of non-payment.
It's worth noting that the reimbursement gap can fluctuate based on the individual tenant's income and the exact utility allowance granted. However, using the SAFMR and average contribution rates, you can estimate the financial impact accurately.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.