Location: Winnebago County, IA | Metro: Winnebago County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 50478 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Moderate Rehabilitation) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $920 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, ensuring it reflects the local conditions accurately.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is $752 according to the latest Census ACS data. This means that the SAFMR is $168 higher than the average market rent in the area. However, landlords should understand that the actual amount they receive from a Section 8 voucher isn't simply the SAFMR minus the tenant's portion.
The voucher program operates on a formula where the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Any additional costs for utilities are also considered. Typically, the tenant’s share plus the utility allowance does not fully cover the SAFMR, leaving a gap that the landlord must either accept or seek to fill through other means.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant's portion is $225 based on 30% of an average adjusted income, and the utility allowance is $100. This totals $325. Subtracting this from the SAFMR of $920 leaves a reimbursement of $595 per month. Since the market rent is $752, landlords would face a shortfall of $157 per month if they leased to a tenant with a Section 8 voucher.
This calculation shows that while the SAFMR is higher than the market rent, the actual reimbursement received by landlords is less due to the tenant’s contribution and utility allowances. Therefore, in ZIP 50478, landlords leasing a two-bedroom unit to a Section 8 tenant will see a reimbursement gap of $157 per month.
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.