Location: Weirton-Steubenville, WV | Metro: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 43926 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $860 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local housing conditions and costs.
However, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is lower, at $757 per month according to Census ACS data. This discrepancy is important when understanding the financial dynamics for landlords participating in the program.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher will receive a combination of payments from both the tenant and the government. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their income, which can vary widely. For simplicity, let's assume an average tenant income that results in a contribution of about $400 towards rent. The remaining amount is covered by the housing authority up to the SAFMR limit.
In the case of ZIP 43926, if the tenant contributes $400, the housing authority would cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. Therefore, the government would pay $460 ($860 - $400) to ensure the total rent reaches the SAFMR of $860.
Additionally, there are utility allowances. These allowances are designed to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Utility allowances can vary but are generally around $200-$300 per month. If we take an average allowance of $250, this would be paid directly to the landlord on top of the rent reimbursement.
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 43926, a landlord could expect a total reimbursement of approximately $710 ($460 + $250) per month. Given that the local market rent is $757, landlords might find themselves slightly below the market rate. However, the stability of the government-backed portion of the rent makes it a reliable source of income.
To summarize, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 43926 under the Section 8 program is a surplus of $43 per month ($757 - $710), assuming the utility allowance is $250 and the tenant contributes $400. This surplus indicates that landlords would still be above the market rent, despite the tenant's contribution being less than the full market price.
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.