Location: Le Flore County, OK | Metro: Le Flore 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 | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $950 | $86,570 | 1.1% | B |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $199,914 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $306,376 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 74953, located in Poteau, OK, within Le Flore County, can be clearly defined by examining the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and the local market rent figures. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2026 is set at $980. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing costs in the area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS data, is $854. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average local rent, which is beneficial for landlords participating in the program. However, it's important to understand how the actual payment structure works.
A Section 8 voucher pays the difference between the tenant's portion of the rent and the SAFMR. Typically, tenants pay about 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,600 per month, the tenant would contribute approximately $480 towards the rent. The remaining amount up to the SAFMR of $980 is covered by the government, making the total reimbursement to the landlord $980 per month.
To break it down further:
Note that the government also provides utility allowances, which vary but are typically around $200-$300 per month. These allowances are additional payments made directly to the landlord to cover utilities.
Given these numbers, if a landlord charges $854 for a two-bedroom apartment, the reimbursement gap or surplus would be in favor of the landlord. The landlord would receive the full SAFMR of $980 plus any utility allowance, resulting in a surplus over the local market rent. Specifically, the surplus without considering utility allowances would be $126 per month ($980 - $854).
This analysis shows that landlords in ZIP 74953 can expect a higher monthly income from Section 8 vouchers compared to the local market rent, providing a financial advantage to participating in the program.
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.