Location: Ogle County, IL | Metro: DeKalb County, IL HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,308 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,792 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $151,252 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $208,438 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $1,990 | $270,275 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 61068, located in Rochelle, Illinois, within Ogle County, operate under specific guidelines that affect both landlords and tenants. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1160. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the localized rental market conditions more accurately than broader regional averages.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 61068, according to Census ACS data, stands at $999. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent can impact the financial decisions of landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord must understand that the voucher payment does not cover the entire SAFMR amount. Instead, it compensates for the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR, plus any utility allowances. The tenant's portion is typically calculated as 30% of their adjusted monthly income. If we assume a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1000, their portion would be $300.
The remaining amount, which the landlord receives from the housing authority, is the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's portion. In this case, the landlord would receive $860 ($1160 - $300) from the housing authority, along with any applicable utility allowance. Utility allowances vary but are generally around $200-$300 per month, depending on the region and the specifics of the voucher.
To illustrate, if the utility allowance is $250, the total reimbursement a landlord could expect for a two-bedroom apartment would be $1110 ($860 + $250).
This reimbursement model creates a surplus for landlords in ZIP 61068, as the total reimbursement of $1110 exceeds the local market rent of $999. Therefore, landlords participating in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code would see an additional $111 in monthly income compared to the average market rent.
It's important to note that while the SAFMR sets a cap on the maximum amount the housing authority will pay, landlords can negotiate rents below this level, potentially attracting more tenants who might prefer lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.