Location: Fayette County, TX | Metro: Colorado County, TX
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $329,147 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 78962 are structured around the $980 SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment as set for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will reimburse landlords for a two-bedroom unit in this specific ZIP code. However, it's important to understand how this payment is broken down and how it interacts with the local market rent, which stands at $508 according to the Census ACS.
A Section 8 voucher is designed to cover the difference between the local market rent and the tenant's portion, which is typically 30% of their income. Here’s how it works:
In summary, the total reimbursement a landlord receives includes the voucher payment for rent plus any applicable utility allowances. For a two-bedroom unit priced at the local market rent of $508, the landlord would receive the tenant's $450 plus the voucher's $58, totaling $508 for rent. With an additional utility allowance of $200, the total reimbursement would be $708.
This means there is a reimbursement gap of $272 per month ($980 - $708) between the SAFMR and the actual reimbursement received by the landlord when renting at the local market price. Landlords should consider this gap when deciding whether to accept Section 8 vouchers for units priced at the local market rate. Alternatively, if landlords charge closer to the SAFMR rate, they could potentially close this gap or even create a surplus, but they must ensure that the rent remains reasonable compared to the local market conditions.
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.