Location: Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Metro: Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 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 | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,367 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,535 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,240 | $143,837 | 0.86% | C |
| 2BR | $1,460 | $160,555 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $1,910 | $188,838 | 1.01% | B |
| 4BR | $2,400 | $259,838 | 0.92% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 76106, located in Fort Worth, TX, and part of Tarrant County, can be quite straightforward when understood properly. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1380. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique rental market conditions in 76106.
The local market rent, measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $1339. This figure represents the average rent charged for similar units in the area. When comparing these numbers, it's important to note that the SAFMR is slightly higher than the ZORI, indicating that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can potentially receive more than the average market rent.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher will receive a reimbursement from the government that covers the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent. The tenant is required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,000 per month, the tenant would contribute $300 towards the rent. The remaining amount up to the SAFMR would be covered by the voucher.
In addition to the base rent, the voucher also includes utility allowances. These allowances vary but typically cover a significant portion of the utilities that tenants would otherwise need to pay out-of-pocket. For a two-bedroom unit, the utility allowance might range from $300 to $400, depending on the specifics of the household and the local standards.
To illustrate, if the SAFMR is $1380 and the tenant contributes $300, the voucher would cover the remaining $1080. Adding a utility allowance of around $350, the total reimbursement a landlord might receive could be approximately $1430. This is $51 above the local market rent of $1339, creating a slight surplus for landlords who participate in the program.
However, the actual reimbursement gap or surplus depends on the specific circumstances of each tenant, including their income level and the exact utility allowance they qualify for. In ZIP 76106, landlords can expect a small surplus when renting to Section 8 tenants, which can help offset some of the administrative costs associated with the program.
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.