Location: Clarke County, AL | Metro: Clarke County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 36540 operate under specific parameters that landlords need to understand to manage their properties effectively. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $780 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is crucial because it determines the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay toward rent.
To break down the actual payment a landlord can expect, we must consider the components of the voucher payment. The voucher holder is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. Additionally, there is an allowance for utilities which varies but is typically around $200-$300 per month. These amounts are subtracted from the $780 SAFMR to determine the subsidy amount.
If a tenant's portion of the rent is $234 (assuming a 30% contribution), and the utility allowance is $250, then the total subsidy would be calculated as follows:
$780 - ($234 + $250) = $780 - $484 = $296
This means the landlord would receive $296 from the voucher program plus the $234 paid directly by the tenant, totaling $530 per month for a two-bedroom unit. However, since the local market rent is not available, we cannot calculate the exact gap or surplus between the market rent and the voucher reimbursement. Landlords should aim to keep their rents within the SAFMR to ensure they can attract tenants with vouchers.
In summary, for a two-bedroom rental property in ZIP 36540, the Section 8 voucher system will cover up to $780 per month. With the tenant's contribution and utility allowances factored in, landlords can expect a net rental income of approximately $530 per month. Without specific local market rent data, it's impossible to quantify the financial gap or surplus landlords might experience, but they should align their rental rates with the SAFMR to participate effectively in the program.
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.