Location: Seminole County, OK | Metro: Seminole County, OK
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 | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $720 | $86,231 | 0.83% | C |
| 2BR | $920 | $73,321 | 1.25% | A |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $163,197 | 0.78% | D |
| 4BR | $1,370 | $270,081 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A household in Seminole, OK, represented by ZIP code 74868, faces significant challenges in affording housing at the market rate. The median income for residents stands at $48,043, while the market rate for rent is set at $749. This makes it difficult for many households to cover their rental costs without financial strain.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is the standard used for calculating Housing Choice Voucher payments, is set at $950 for the fiscal year 2026. This means that voucher holders could potentially pay up to $950 towards rent, making it more attractive for landlords compared to the market rate.
In Seminole, approximately 30.1% of the population are renters, with a total population of 12,543. Given these numbers, the competition among landlords for tenants is likely to be moderate. However, the affordability gap between median income and both market and voucher rates suggests that landlords who cater to voucher recipients might have an advantage over those who do not.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept vouchers or focus on cash-paying tenants is clear. While cash-paying tenants might offer less hassle, the higher payment standard associated with vouchers can provide a more stable and reliable source of income. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed rent against the administrative burden of accepting vouchers. In a market where median incomes struggle to meet even the lower market rent rates, the appeal of vouchers for both tenants and landlords is evident.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.