Location: Poweshiek County, IA | Metro: Poweshiek County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 52211, located in Brooklyn, Iowa, in Poweshiek County, can be explained through the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) rates and local market rents. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2026 is set at $1,010. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions accurately.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, is $927. This indicates that the SAFMR rate is higher than the average market rent, which could be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A voucher payment under the Section 8 program covers the difference between the tenant's portion and the total rent. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a tenant in ZIP 52211, the tenant would pay approximately $278 (30% of $927).
The remaining amount, which is the subsidy paid by the government, would be around $732. However, since the SAFMR is $1,010, the actual reimbursement to the landlord would be closer to this figure, minus the tenant's contribution and any utility allowances. Utility allowances can vary but typically add an additional $100-$150 to the reimbursement.
To summarize, if a landlord sets the rent at the SAFMR rate of $1,010, they will receive this amount minus the tenant's portion and utility allowances. Assuming a standard utility allowance of $125, the landlord would receive a total of $857 per month. This leaves a reimbursement gap or surplus depending on the landlord's set rent.
In ZIP 52211, where the local market rent is lower than the SAFMR, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program and set their rent at the SAFMR level would see a surplus of about $83 per month over the local market rate. This surplus compensates for potential management challenges and ensures a stable income stream for landlords.
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.