Location: Fisher County, TX | Metro: Fisher County, TX
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 79534 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom unit, which is set at $1,050 per month for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is crucial because it represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher can cover for rent in this specific ZIP code. However, without specific data on local market rents, we cannot compare the SAFMR directly to what landlords might charge in the open market.
A Section 8 voucher works by subsidizing the difference between what a low-income tenant can afford and the actual rent. Typically, tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. For example, if a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,500, they would pay $450 towards rent. The voucher then covers the remaining balance up to the $1,050 limit.
In addition to the base rent, the voucher also includes an allowance for utilities. These allowances vary but generally add a few hundred dollars to the total reimbursement. Assuming an average utility allowance of $200, the total reimbursement a landlord could receive would be around $1,250 ($1,050 base rent + $200 utilities).
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,500. They would pay 30% of that, which is $450, towards rent. The voucher would cover the rest, up to the SAFMR limit. Therefore, the landlord would receive $450 from the tenant plus $600 from the voucher program, totaling $1,050 for the base rent. With the utility allowance, the total reimbursement would be $1,250.
The SAFMR rate of $1,050 applies specifically to ZIP code 79534, meaning it is tailored to reflect the rental costs in this area rather than being a uniform rate across a broader region. This specificity helps ensure that the subsidy is relevant to the local cost of living.
Given that the local market rent data is currently unavailable, it's important to note that landlords may face a reimbursement gap or surplus depending on their actual market rates. If a landlord charges less than $1,050 for a two-bedroom unit, they will have a surplus; conversely, if they charge more, they will have a gap that the tenant must make up or the landlord absorb, as the voucher will only cover up to $1,050 for the base rent plus utilities.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 79534 should expect to receive $1,050 for base rent and potentially an additional $200 for utilities, making the total reimbursement $1,250 for a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 program. The exact impact on their finances depends on their current market rent rates.
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.