Location: Abilene, 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 | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,250 | $115,347 | 1.08% | B |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $171,427 | 0.95% | C |
| 4BR | $1,920 | $205,109 | 0.94% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 79603, located in Abilene, TX, Taylor County, revolve around the Subsidized Average Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) and the local market rent rates. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1060. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 housing voucher will cover for rent in this specific ZIP code. The local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $1,606.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand that the voucher payment is not the only source of income. Tenants are required to pay a portion of their income towards rent, typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. Once the tenant's contribution and any applicable utility allowances are factored in, the total reimbursement to the landlord can be calculated.
The utility allowance varies based on the season and location but generally ranges from $30 to $100 per month. Assuming an average utility allowance of $65, the total reimbursement would include the tenant's share plus this allowance. If we consider a tenant paying 30% of their income and their income is such that it results in a contribution of $482 (which is a common figure given the average income levels in the area), then the total reimbursement to the landlord would be:
This sums up to $1,607, which slightly exceeds the local market rent of $1,606. However, this calculation assumes the tenant's income is at a level where they contribute exactly 30%, and the utility allowance is at an average value.
In reality, the reimbursement gap or surplus will vary depending on the tenant's actual income and the specific utility allowance. Given these parameters, landlords in ZIP 79603 might expect a small surplus of about $1 when all components are added together. However, this does not account for other factors such as maintenance costs, vacancy rates, and administrative burdens associated with the 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.