Location: Kent County, TX | Metro: Kent County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 79518 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,020 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a housing voucher can cover for rent in this specific ZIP code. It's important to note that the local market rent data is currently unavailable, making it difficult to compare the SAFMR directly to what tenants might be willing to pay in the open market.
A voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the subsidy from the Housing Choice Voucher program. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income. If we assume an average adjusted income of $20,000 per year, the monthly contribution would be approximately $500. This means that out of the $1,020 SAFMR, the landlord would receive around $500 directly from the tenant, and the remaining $520 would come from the voucher program.
Utility allowances vary but generally do not cover the entire cost of utilities. Landlords should expect to receive a fixed allowance for utilities, which can range from $200 to $400 per month, depending on the specific circumstances and the region's standards. However, since the exact utility allowance for ZIP 79518 isn't specified, let's use a conservative estimate of $300.
To summarize, a landlord in ZIP 79518 can expect the following breakdown for a two-bedroom apartment:
This totals to $820 per month, leaving a gap of $200 between the SAFMR and the total reimbursement received. This means that landlords would need to either accept a lower net rental income or seek ways to reduce operating costs to make up for the shortfall. Alternatively, if the local market rent exceeds $1,020, landlords might find themselves in a situation where they have to choose between accepting a voucher tenant or renting to someone who can pay the full market price.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 79518 should be aware of the reimbursement gap when considering Section 8 tenants. With a SAFMR of $1,020 and an estimated total reimbursement of $820, there is a $200 shortfall per month that must be accounted for in their financial planning.
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.