Location: Topeka, KS | Metro: Topeka, 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 | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,529 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,059 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,212 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,150 | $130,228 | 1.65% | A+ |
| 4BR | $2,180 | $176,106 | 1.24% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 66619 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1350 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, ensuring that the rates reflect the local rental market accurately. In ZIP 66619, the average local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is also reported at $1350 based on the latest Census ACS data.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between what a tenant can afford and the rent of a qualified unit. The tenant's portion is typically calculated as 30% of their adjusted monthly income. If we assume an average adjusted monthly income of $1,000 for a tenant in ZIP 66619, their contribution would be $300 per month towards rent.
The voucher payment to the landlord is structured around these principles. For a two-bedroom apartment, the landlord receives the lesser of the market rent or the SAFMR. Given that both figures are $1350, the landlord will receive $1350 if the unit qualifies under the program. However, this amount does not cover all costs; the tenant contributes their share, which is $300, leaving the landlord with a total of $1650 ($1350 voucher + $300 tenant).
In addition to rent, there are utility allowances that vary but are generally capped. These allowances are designed to help cover basic utilities like electricity, gas, and water. The exact amount depends on the size of the unit and local utility costs, but it typically ranges from $300 to $500 annually. For simplicity, let's consider an annual allowance of $400, which translates to approximately $33 per month.
To summarize, the typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 66619 under the Section 8 program is $1350 per month, plus the tenant's contribution of about $300, and a utility allowance of roughly $33. This totals $1683 per month. Given the local market rent is $1350, the landlord effectively receives $333 more than the market rent when combining the voucher amount and the tenant's contribution, assuming the unit qualifies for the maximum SAFMR and the tenant's income remains constant.
This means there is no reimbursement gap; rather, there is a surplus. Landlords in ZIP 66619 can expect a consistent cash flow that slightly exceeds the typical market rent, making participation in the Section 8 program financially viable.
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.