Location: Dickens County, TX | Metro: Dickens County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To understand the economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 79229, it's crucial to know the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $980 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions.
The SAFMR serves as the benchmark for determining the maximum amount that a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher will cover. For landlords in ZIP 79229, this means that the total rent charged cannot exceed $980 if you wish to participate in the program. However, the actual reimbursement to the landlord is calculated differently, taking into account the tenant's portion of the rent and utility allowances.
The tenant is typically required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,633 (the median income for a household of four in this area), the tenant would pay approximately $490 towards rent. This leaves a balance of $490 to be covered by the voucher, which is the amount the landlord receives directly from the housing authority.
In addition to the base rent, utility allowances can vary but are generally modest. Assuming an allowance of around $100 for utilities, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $590 per month. This is significantly less than the $980 SAFMR, leaving a substantial gap between the market rent and the voucher reimbursement.
The reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 79229 is thus $390 per month ($980 - $590). This means landlords must either accept a lower rental income or find ways to reduce costs to make up for the difference. Alternatively, they can seek to fill vacancies with non-voucher tenants who can afford to pay the full market rent.
Given the local market rent is currently not available, it's important for landlords to monitor market trends closely. If the market rent exceeds the SAFMR, landlords may face challenges in covering their costs solely through the voucher program. Conversely, if the market rent is below the SAFMR, landlords could potentially receive a surplus from the voucher payments.
Participating in the Section 8 program requires careful consideration of these economic factors. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed monthly payments against the potential for a lower overall rental income.
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.