Location: Sabine Parish, LA | Metro: Natchitoches Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $620 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 71468 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $930 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive from the housing authority for a Section 8 voucher tenant. However, it's important to understand that this reimbursement is not the full rent amount but rather a combination of the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy.
In ZIP 71468, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is $779, based on Census ACS data. This lower market rate suggests that landlords may find their rental income below the SAFMR threshold, which could impact their decision to participate in the Section 8 program.
A Section 8 voucher typically covers the difference between the local market rent and 30% of the tenant's adjusted income. For example, if a tenant's adjusted income is $2,000 per month, they would be responsible for paying $600 towards rent (30% of $2,000). The remainder, up to the SAFMR limit, is paid by the housing authority. In this case, the housing authority would pay the landlord $330 ($930 - $600) to cover the total rent of $930. If the market rent is lower, say $779, then the housing authority would pay the landlord $179 ($779 - $600).
Utility allowances also factor into the reimbursement. These allowances vary but are generally around $200-$300 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. This allowance is paid directly to the tenant and is not part of the SAFMR calculation. Therefore, the landlord does not receive this amount directly; it is intended to help cover the tenant's utility costs.
Given the SAFMR of $930 and the local market rent of $779, there is a potential surplus for landlords who can negotiate rents closer to the SAFMR level. However, if the landlord accepts the local market rent, they will see a reimbursement gap. Specifically, if the market rent remains at $779, the landlord will receive $179 less than the SAFMR. Conversely, if the landlord sets the rent at $930, they will receive the full SAFMR amount plus the tenant's portion, ensuring no financial shortfall.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 71468 should consider setting their rents close to the SAFMR of $930 to maximize their income from Section 8 vouchers. Accepting the local market rent of $779 will result in a reimbursement gap of $151 per month, while setting the rent at the SAFMR level ensures full payment without any shortfall.
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.