Location: Nemaha County, KS | Metro: Manhattan, KS HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 66432 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Moderate Rehabilitation) for a two-bedroom unit in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay towards the rent for a Section 8 voucher holder in this area.
In comparison, the local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 66432, according to the Census ACS, is $881. This indicates that the SAFMR is nearly equal to the market rate, leaving little room for landlords to charge significantly higher rents.
When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying a portion of the rent themselves, typically around 30% of their income. For ZIP 66432, this means that if the total rent is $880, the tenant would pay approximately $264 (30% of $880), and the government would cover the remaining $616. However, it's important to note that the actual reimbursement can vary based on the tenant's income level.
Beyond the base rent, there are utility allowances that can be factored into the overall compensation. These allowances are designed to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer. The exact amount of these allowances varies but is generally a fixed amount per bedroom type. For a two-bedroom unit, the utility allowance might add an additional $100 to the monthly reimbursement, depending on local guidelines and policies.
Therefore, when considering the total reimbursement, including the utility allowance, the landlord could expect to receive around $716 ($616 base reimbursement + $100 utility allowance) from the government, plus the tenant's portion of $264. This brings the total monthly rent received to $980, which is slightly above the market rate of $881.
This slight surplus of $99 per month can provide some financial cushion for landlords, especially when dealing with maintenance and other operational costs. However, it's crucial to understand that this surplus is contingent upon the tenant's income level and the specific terms of their voucher.
In summary, for a two-bedroom rental property in ZIP 66432, the Section 8 voucher system provides a reimbursement structure that aligns closely with market rates, with a small potential surplus when utility allowances are considered. Landlords should carefully review individual tenant cases to determine the precise amount of reimbursement they can expect.
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.