Location: Natchitoches Parish, LA | Metro: Natchitoches Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 71066 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $980 per month for fiscal year 2026. This SAFMR specifically applies to this ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions more accurately than a broader metro or county-wide figure.
Local market rents are currently unavailable, making it difficult to compare the SAFMR directly to the going rates in the area. However, the SAFMR serves as a benchmark for the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher Program will pay on behalf of eligible tenants. To understand the actual payment structure, landlords need to factor in the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances.
The tenant is typically responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted monthly income of $1,000 for a tenant, they would be required to contribute $300 towards the rent. This leaves the remaining $680 to be covered by the voucher, which is the amount the government will reimburse the landlord each month. Utility allowances can vary but generally range from $100 to $200, depending on the size of the unit and the region. For simplicity, let's consider a utility allowance of $150, which the tenant can use towards their electricity, gas, water, and sewer bills.
In this scenario, the total monthly reimbursement to the landlord would be $830 ($680 for rent plus $150 for utilities). This means there is a reimbursement gap of $150 between the SAFMR of $980 and the actual reimbursement of $830. Landlords should be aware that this gap exists and plan accordingly when considering participation in the Section 8 program.
To summarize, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 71066 is $980, with the government reimbursing up to $830 after accounting for the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. This results in a reimbursement gap of $150, which must be considered in the overall financial planning for rental properties participating in the Section 8 program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.