Location: Lincoln Parish, LA | Metro: Monroe, LA 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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $163,712 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $228,009 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $308,382 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 71234, Downsville, Louisiana, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $940 per month for fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit averages $1,090 according to the latest Census ACS data.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between what a tenant can afford and the rent amount. Typically, tenants contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. For instance, if a tenant's monthly income is $1,200, they would pay $360 toward the rent of a two-bedroom apartment. The remaining balance is covered by the voucher program up to the SAFMR limit of $940. Therefore, in this scenario, the voucher would cover $580 ($940 - $360).
In addition to the rent, Section 8 vouchers also include utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Let’s assume an average utility allowance of $150 per month for simplicity. This means the total monthly reimbursement a landlord can expect from the voucher program, including the tenant contribution and utility allowance, would be $710 ($580 + $360 + $150).
To summarize, a landlord in ZIP 71234 should anticipate a reimbursement of $710 per month for a two-bedroom apartment when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher. This leaves a gap of $380 between the SAFMR ($940) and the local market rent ($1,090). Thus, landlords will either have to adjust their rental rates to match the SAFMR or accept a surplus of $150 if they rent below the market rate but still above the SAFMR.
The key takeaway is that landlords must understand the SAFMR is the ceiling for reimbursement. If the market rent exceeds this amount, as it does in Downsville where the average is $1,090, landlords will face a monthly shortfall of $380 unless they reduce their asking price to align with the SAFMR or accept a smaller surplus.
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.