Location: Jasper County, MS | Metro: Clarke County, MS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 39366 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $890 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions.
A voucher payment under Section 8 consists of several components. First, there is the tenant's portion, which is typically 30% of their income. Second, there is the utility allowance, which covers a portion of the tenant's energy costs. Lastly, the government subsidy fills the gap between these amounts and the SAFMR.
To illustrate, let's consider an example where a tenant has an income that requires them to pay $200 towards the rent. If the utility allowance is $150, the total amount the tenant contributes would be $350. The remaining amount, $540, would be covered by the government subsidy. Therefore, the landlord would receive $890 in total for the two-bedroom unit.
In ZIP 39366, the SAFMR directly influences the maximum allowable rent for a Section 8 voucher holder. Since the local market rent data is currently unavailable, we can infer that if the market rent is higher than $890, landlords might face a surplus when renting to tenants without vouchers. However, with a voucher, the landlord receives a fixed amount based on the SAFMR, regardless of the actual market rent.
This system ensures that landlords receive a predictable income stream from Section 8 tenants. It also helps to stabilize the housing market by providing a consistent baseline for rental rates in subsidized units. For a two-bedroom apartment, the reimbursement gap or surplus will depend on the actual market rent. If the market rent exceeds $890, landlords will have a shortfall; if it is lower, they will have a surplus.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 39366 should expect a voucher reimbursement of $890 for a two-bedroom apartment. They must account for the tenant's contribution and utility allowance to determine the net effect on their cash flow. Without specific market rent data, the exact surplus or gap cannot be quantified, but it is clear that the SAFMR provides a benchmark for the economic viability of accepting Section 8 tenants.
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.