Location: San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Metro: San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,590 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,642 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,405 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,625 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 78260, located in San Antonio, TX, within Bexar County, can be clearly defined using the SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) and ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index) figures. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $2190. This rate is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique cost dynamics within the 78260 area.
In contrast, the local market rent, as indicated by ZORI, is $1615. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent creates an opportunity for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program. When a tenant uses a voucher to cover their rent, they are responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards housing costs. This amount is known as the tenant's portion and is non-negotiable.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant's portion for a two-bedroom apartment is $500. The government then covers the remaining amount up to the SAFMR. In this case, the reimbursement would be $2190 minus the tenant's portion of $500, which equals $1690. However, the reimbursement does not stop there; it also includes utility allowances. These allowances vary but typically add around $200 to $300 to the total reimbursement.
Thus, if we take the lower end of the utility allowance range at $200, the total reimbursement a landlord would receive is $1690 plus $200, equating to $1890. If the utility allowance were higher, say $300, the reimbursement would increase to $1990. This calculation shows that even with the inclusion of utility allowances, the reimbursement rate can still fall short of the SAFMR.
Given the local market rent of $1615, landlords in ZIP 78260 can expect a surplus when the utility allowance is considered. With a $200 utility allowance, the surplus would be $1890 minus $1615, resulting in an additional $275. If the utility allowance is $300, the surplus would be even greater at $375.
In summary, landlords participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 78260 will receive a reimbursement that covers the tenant's portion of the rent and the SAFMR, plus utility allowances. This system ensures that landlords are paid a fair rate above the local market rent, providing a financial benefit of up to $375 per month for a two-bedroom unit, depending on the utility allowance.
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.