Location: Lowndes County, MS | Metro: Lowndes County, MS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 39705, the Section 8 program operates under the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is $1,030. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD will pay to landlords on behalf of tenants participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 39705, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $1,091. This indicates that the market rent slightly exceeds the SAFMR, creating a scenario where landlords might have to adjust their expectations when renting to Section 8 participants.
A voucher payment typically consists of two parts: the tenant contribution and the utility allowance. Tenants are required to contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,500, they would contribute $450 towards rent. The remainder of the rent is covered by the voucher, up to the SAFMR limit. In the case of a two-bedroom apartment, the voucher would cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR, which is $1,030.
If the market rent is higher than the SAFMR, the landlord can charge the tenant the difference between the SAFMR and the actual market rent. In ZIP 39705, this means that for a two-bedroom apartment, the landlord could potentially charge an additional $61 above the SAFMR, making the total rent $1,091.
Utility allowances are also factored into the equation. These allowances vary based on the number of bedrooms and the specific location. They do not affect the base rent but can be an additional source of income for landlords. For a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 39705, the utility allowance is included in the overall reimbursement but does not change the base rental payment structure.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 39705 is $61. This means landlords would receive $1,030 from the voucher program and the tenant would pay an additional $61, bringing the total rent closer to market rates. Landlords should be aware that while this system aims to bridge the gap between affordable housing and market rents, it still requires careful consideration of tenant incomes and market conditions to ensure profitability and compliance with HUD regulations.
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.