Location: Brown County, KS | Metro: St. Joseph, MO-KS MSA
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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,380 | $270,802 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 66041 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $880 per month for FY 2024. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the localized rental market conditions. In comparison, the local market rent for a similar unit averages at $850 per month according to the Census ACS.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand that the total rent received includes both the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy. Typically, tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Utility allowances are also provided, which can vary but are generally around $200-$300 per month for a two-bedroom unit, depending on the specific utility costs in the area.
To illustrate, let’s assume a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,500. Their contribution would be 30% of this amount, equating to $450. If the utility allowance is set at $250, then the total reimbursement a landlord would receive for a $880 SAFMR unit would be the sum of the tenant's payment and the utility allowance, totaling $700.
This leaves a gap between the SAFMR and the actual reimbursement. For a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 66041, the typical reimbursement gap is $180 per month. This means landlords will need to accept a lower net income compared to the SAFMR or find ways to reduce operating costs to maintain profitability.
In summary, while the SAFMR for ZIP 66041 is $880, landlords should expect an actual reimbursement closer to $700 once the tenant's contribution and utility allowances are factored in. This results in a reimbursement gap of $180 per month, which must be considered when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.