Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 65085 - 2027

Location: Jefferson City, MO | Metro: Jefferson City, MO HUD Metro FMR Area

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$730
1 Bedroom	$740
2 Bedrooms	$960
3 Bedrooms	$1,330
4 Bedrooms	$1,550
5 Bedrooms	$1,798
6 Bedrooms	$2,014
7 Bedrooms	$2,175
8 Bedrooms	$2,284

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,193

Median Household Income

$103,563

Housing Units

490

Renter Percentage

12.8%

Occupancy Rate

85.9%

Renter Occupied

The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 65085 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $800. This SAFMR figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, ensuring it reflects local rental conditions accurately. In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit, based on Census ACS data, averages around $596.

A landlord might wonder how these figures translate into actual payments when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher. Here's the breakdown:

The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500, the tenant would contribute $450.
The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR of $800, is covered by the Housing Choice Voucher program. Therefore, the program would pay $350 to meet the SAFMR limit.
Utility allowances vary but typically add a small supplement to the monthly rent payment. These allowances are designed to cover electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. For simplicity, let's say the utility allowance adds an additional $50 to the monthly payment.

In summary, a landlord in ZIP 65085 can expect to receive $400 from the tenant and $350 from the voucher program, plus an extra $50 for utilities. This totals $800 per month for a two-bedroom unit. Given that the local market rent is $596, landlords participating in the Section 8 program will find themselves receiving a higher payment than the typical market rate.

This means that there is no reimbursement gap; rather, there is a surplus. Landlords in ZIP 65085 can expect to earn approximately $204 more per month on a two-bedroom apartment compared to the local market rent, when taking into account the full reimbursement under the Section 8 program. This surplus provides a buffer against potential maintenance costs and vacancies, making Section 8 participation a financially viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors in this area.

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.