Location: Vernon Parish, LA | Metro: Vernon Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 70639 are straightforward. The Section 8 SAFMR (Standard Amount Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,050. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay for a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
To understand what a landlord can expect, it's essential to factor in the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances. Typically, tenants contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the SAFMR is $1,050, and the tenant's portion is 30%, then the tenant would need to earn approximately $3,500 per month before adjustments to cover the full rent. However, most low-income families earning less than 50% of the area median income (AMI) will be eligible for the program, meaning their contribution could be significantly lower.
In addition to the tenant's portion, landlords receive utility allowances which vary based on the size of the unit and the location. For a two-bedroom apartment, these allowances can range from $200 to $300 per month. This allowance is intended to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer.
Given the SAFMR of $1,050, if a tenant contributes, say, $300 (this is an example; actual amounts depend on individual circumstances), the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1,350 ($1,050 for rent plus $300 for utilities). This calculation assumes the utility allowance is on the higher side. If the market rent in ZIP 70639 were available, we could compare this to the typical rental rates to determine if there is a surplus or a gap. However, since the local market rent is currently N/A, we cannot make a direct comparison.
Despite this lack of local market data, it's important for landlords to know that the reimbursement gap or surplus depends on the actual market rent of the property. If the market rent is higher than the SAFMR, landlords may face a gap that they must either absorb or attempt to bridge through other means. Conversely, if the market rent is lower than the SAFMR, landlords might see a surplus, where the voucher covers more than the standard market rate.
Landlords should also be aware that the SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, meaning the rate is set to reflect the local rental market conditions. This localized approach helps ensure that the payment standards are relevant to the area in which the tenant lives.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 70639, landlords can expect a Section 8 voucher to cover up to $1,050 in rent, plus additional utility allowances. Without specific local market rent data, it's impossible to calculate the exact reimbursement gap or surplus, but landlords should prepare for potential discrepancies between the SAFMR and actual market rates.
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.