Location: Fisher County, TX | Metro: Abilene, TX MSA
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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,490 | $144,069 | 1.03% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 79520 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $910 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the localized cost of renting. In comparison, the local market rent for a similar unit is slightly lower at $853 according to the Census ACS.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives rental payments from the Housing Choice Voucher Program. These payments cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent. For ZIP 79520, the tenant is expected to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 per month, the tenant would contribute approximately $450 towards the rent.
The SAFMR of $910 includes a utility allowance, which typically covers water, sewer, garbage collection, and electricity. Landlords should note that if the actual utility costs exceed the allowance, they will not be reimbursed for the excess. The utility allowance is a fixed amount based on the type of unit and location, designed to help cover these expenses.
To calculate the reimbursement a landlord can expect, subtract the tenant's contribution from the SAFMR. In this case, that would be $910 minus $450, resulting in a reimbursement of $460 per month. However, it's important to understand that the actual reimbursement can vary depending on the tenant's income and the specific utility allowance applied to their unit.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 79520 can be determined by comparing the SAFMR to the local market rent. With the SAFMR at $910 and the market rent at $853, landlords participating in Section 8 for a two-bedroom unit will see a surplus of $57 per month. This means that even though the local market rent is lower, the Section 8 reimbursement rate ensures that landlords receive slightly more than the average market rate.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 79520, landlords can expect a steady income of $910 per month under the Section 8 program, with the tenant paying around $450 and the government covering the remaining $460. This results in a $57 surplus compared to the local market rent of $853.
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.