Location: Haskell 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,490 | $150,885 | 0.99% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 79521 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $950 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting localized housing costs.
Local market rents, according to the Census ACS, run at $760 per month. This is the average rent charged by landlords for similar units in the area.
A Section 8 voucher covers the difference between the local market rent and the SAFMR, plus a utility allowance. The tenant pays 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, which is then supplemented by the voucher to cover up to the SAFMR limit. Utility allowances vary but typically add around $100-$200 to the monthly payment.
To illustrate, if a landlord charges $760 per month for a two-bedroom unit, the voucher would pay the difference between this amount and the SAFMR. In this case, the voucher would contribute $190 towards the rent ($950 - $760 = $190), bringing the total reimbursement close to the SAFMR cap. If utility allowances are included, the reimbursement could be even closer to $950.
The reimbursement formula ensures that landlords receive a stable income that is often higher than the local market rent. However, it's important to note that the reimbursement is capped at the SAFMR, so charging above $950 will not increase the voucher contribution.
In ZIP 79521, landlords can expect a typical reimbursement gap or surplus where the voucher contribution plus tenant's share equals the SAFMR of $950. Given the local market rent is lower at $760, there is usually a surplus when utility allowances are factored in, meaning landlords can receive more than the typical market rent.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.