Location: Gainesville, FL | Metro: Gainesville, 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,498 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $126,205 | 1.07% | B |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $183,726 | 0.92% | C |
| 4BR | $1,780 | $222,461 | 0.8% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 32641, which is located in Gainesville, Florida, Alachua County, understanding the economics of Section 8 housing can significantly influence a landlord's decision to participate in the program. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $1290. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards the rent of a two-bedroom unit in this area.
The local market rent for a similar two-bedroom apartment, according to Census ACS data, is $1,006. This means that without a voucher, landlords might expect to charge around this amount based on the current rental market conditions in ZIP 32641.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher must understand how the payment structure works. The voucher pays the difference between the tenant's portion of the rent and the total rent. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. For instance, if a tenant's adjusted income is $1,000 per month, they would pay $300 toward the rent.
The SAFMR of $1290 includes an allowance for utilities, which is separate from the base rent amount. However, the exact utility allowance varies and is determined by the local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Landlords should contact their local PHA to confirm the specific utility allowance for ZIP 32641.
To illustrate, let's assume the tenant's portion of the rent is $300, and the utility allowance is $150. In this case, the voucher would cover the remaining $840 of the SAFMR, making the total reimbursement to the landlord $990 ($840 + $150).
This results in a reimbursement gap or surplus when compared to the local market rent of $1,006. In this scenario, the landlord would receive $114 less than the market rent for a two-bedroom apartment. This gap can be a significant consideration for landlords when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
It's important to note that while the SAFMR provides a cap on what the voucher will pay, the actual reimbursement may be lower if the market rent is below the SAFMR. Therefore, landlords must carefully evaluate the economic implications of accepting Section 8 vouchers in ZIP 32641.
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.