Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 76837 - 2027

Location: Menard County, TX | Metro: Concho County, TX

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$860
1 Bedroom	$900
2 Bedrooms	$1,130
3 Bedrooms	$1,460
4 Bedrooms	$1,630
5 Bedrooms	$1,891
6 Bedrooms	$2,118
7 Bedrooms	$2,287
8 Bedrooms	$2,401

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,926

Median Household Income

$66,528

Housing Units

636

Renter Percentage

26.0%

Occupancy Rate

68.2%

Renter Occupied

113

The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 76837 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,150 per month for FY 2026. However, the local market rent for a similar unit is significantly lower, averaging $533 per month according to Census ACS data.

When a landlord participates in the Section 8 program, the payment structure involves both the voucher and the tenant's contribution. Here’s how it breaks down:

Voucher Payment: The Housing Authority will pay the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR up to the limit. In this case, the voucher would cover the amount above $533 but not exceeding $1,150.
Tenant Contribution: Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If we assume an average monthly income of $1,000 for a household in ZIP 76837, the tenant's contribution would be around $300.
Utility Allowances: Utility allowances vary but are generally capped. For simplicity, let's say the allowance is approximately $150 per month.

Combining these elements, the total reimbursement a landlord can expect for a two-bedroom unit would be the tenant's contribution plus the voucher payment. Since the market rent is $533, the voucher would cover the remainder up to the SAFMR limit, which is $1,150 minus $533, equating to $617. Adding the tenant's contribution of $300, the total reimbursement comes to $917.

This results in a significant surplus for landlords, as they receive $384 more than the local market rent of $533. Therefore, participating in Section 8 in ZIP 76837 can be financially advantageous, providing a steady and reliable source of income above the prevailing market rates.

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.