Location: Hockley County, TX | Metro: Lubbock, 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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,470 | $170,439 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $2,040 | $238,155 | 0.86% | C |
| 4BR | $2,430 | $348,248 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 79382, which encompasses Wolfforth, TX, in Lubbock County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $1180 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay toward the rental subsidy for a tenant participating in the Section 8 program.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $1,513. This difference highlights the financial dynamics landlords must consider when deciding whether to accept Section 8 tenants.
A landlord's actual reimbursement from a Section 8 voucher depends on several factors including the tenant's portion of the rent and any applicable utility allowances. The tenant's share is typically 30% of their income, which is then supplemented by the government to cover the rest up to the SAFMR limit. Utility allowances are additional payments made directly to the tenant to help cover electricity, water, and other household utilities. These allowances vary but can significantly impact the total amount received by the landlord.
To illustrate, if a tenant's income is such that they owe $350 towards the rent, the government would pay the remaining balance up to the SAFMR of $1180. If there are utility allowances totaling $100, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1180. However, since the market rent is higher at $1,513, the landlord would still have a gap of $333 per month to make up, unless the tenant's income requires a higher contribution, which is rare.
The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 79382 under a Section 8 voucher is thus a shortfall of $333 per month compared to the local market rent. Landlords must weigh this gap against the benefits of stable tenancy and the support structure provided by the Section 8 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.