Location: Brown County, KS | Metro: Topeka, KS MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 66516 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) which is set specifically for this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is $880. However, the local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is lower at $746.
A landlord might wonder what a voucher actually covers. The voucher system works by setting a limit on the total rent a landlord can receive, which is the SAFMR. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the tenant's share plus the utility allowance does not reach the SAFMR, the difference is made up by the housing authority. Conversely, if the tenant's share exceeds the SAFMR, the tenant must pay the excess out-of-pocket.
To illustrate, let’s assume a tenant’s adjusted income is $1,000 per month. Their contribution would be 30% of this amount, which is $300. If the utility allowance is $100, then the total contribution from the tenant and utilities would be $400. Since the SAFMR is $880, the housing authority would cover the remaining $480, ensuring the landlord receives the full $880.
In ZIP 66516, given that the local market rent is below the SAFMR, landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect a consistent payment of $880 for a two-bedroom unit, which is higher than the typical market rate of $746. This means there is a surplus of $134 per month for landlords who choose to rent to Section 8 tenants in this ZIP code.
The SAFMR being set at the ZIP level ensures that it reflects the rental conditions specific to this area, making it a precise benchmark for landlords. Therefore, landlords in ZIP 66516 should consider the Section 8 program as an opportunity to secure a steady income above the local market average.
Landlords should also be aware that the SAFMR is subject to change annually based on HUD assessments, so they need to monitor updates for future fiscal years.
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.