Location: Cherokee County, KS | Metro: Cherokee County, KS HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,915 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $78,373 | 1.26% | A |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $155,753 | 0.83% | C |
| 4BR | $1,300 | $215,631 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 66713, which covers Baxter Springs, KS, in Cherokee County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $930. This SAFMR is specifically tailored to reflect the rental costs in this particular area, ensuring that it accurately represents the local housing market conditions.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS (American Community Survey) data, is $783. This figure indicates the average rent charged for similar units in the same area without considering any federal assistance programs.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand how the reimbursement works. When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. For the remaining amount, the government provides a subsidy. In ZIP 66713, the voucher will cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR of $930, up to the maximum allowed rent. Utility allowances are also factored into the reimbursement, but these are separate from the base rent payment.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion is $200, the government would pay the landlord the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR, which in this case would be $730. However, since the local market rent is lower at $783, the actual reimbursement would be the lesser of the two amounts, which is $783 minus the tenant's portion of $200, resulting in a government subsidy of $583. Therefore, the total rent received by the landlord would be $783 ($200 from the tenant + $583 from the government).
This calculation leaves a surplus for the landlord, as the SAFMR exceeds the local market rent. The typical surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 66713 would be $147 per month, calculated as the difference between the SAFMR of $930 and the local market rent of $783. This surplus can help cover maintenance costs, vacancies, and other expenses associated with property management.
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.