Location: Macon County, AL | Metro: Macon County, AL 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 | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $119,475 | 1.01% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 36083 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Assistance Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. However, the local market rent for a similar unit, according to the Census ACS data, averages $741. This difference is critical when understanding how much a landlord can expect to receive from a Section 8 voucher.
A Section 8 voucher is designed to cover part of the rent for low-income tenants. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
To illustrate, let's assume a two-bedroom rental priced at $960, which is exactly at the SAFMR limit. If the tenant's portion is $300, the voucher would cover the remaining $660. With a utility allowance of $250, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $910. This leaves a $50 shortfall compared to the SAFMR, meaning the landlord would need to accept slightly less than the full SAFMR to break even.
In ZIP 36083, where the market rent is significantly lower at $741, landlords participating in the Section 8 program might see a surplus. Using the same example of a $960 SAFMR, if the tenant contributes $300 and the utility allowance is $250, the landlord receives $1,210 ($960 + $250), which is $469 more than the average market rent. This surplus can be particularly attractive for landlords who are willing to participate in the program.
However, it's important to note that the SAFMR sets the maximum allowable rent, and the actual reimbursement may be less depending on the tenant's income and the specific terms of their voucher. Landlords should aim to keep their rents competitive with the local market while ensuring compliance with Section 8 guidelines.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 36083, landlords can expect a reimbursement gap or surplus based on the market conditions and the specifics of the tenant's voucher. Given the local market rent of $741, participation in the Section 8 program could provide a surplus of approximately $469 per month, assuming the full SAFMR is utilized and the tenant's contribution and utility allowances are added.
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.