Location: Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | Metro: Boulder, CO 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 | $1,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,234 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,742 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,121 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,377 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,010 | $313,569 | 0.64% | D |
| 2BR | $2,360 | $502,541 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $3,140 | $761,936 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $3,650 | $937,251 | 0.39% | F |
| 5BR | $4,234 | $1,175,642 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 80027, located in Louisville, CO, within Boulder County, are straightforward when analyzed against the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and local market rents. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $2,580, which is the specific rate for this ZIP code. This contrasts with the local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), which stands at $2,260.
A landlord might wonder how these figures translate into actual payments once a tenant's contribution and utility allowances are considered. Here’s a breakdown:
Given these numbers, landlords in ZIP 80027 can expect a reimbursement of $2,130 for a two-bedroom unit. However, this amount is based on the SAFMR, which is higher than the local market rent. As such, there is a potential surplus for landlords participating in the program here. Specifically, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom voucher in this ZIP code is $2,130 minus the local market rent of $2,260, resulting in a surplus of $1,170 above the local market rent.
This surplus indicates that landlords can potentially receive more than the prevailing market rates for renting out a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 program in ZIP 80027. It also suggests that the SAFMR for this ZIP code is well-calibrated to support landlords while ensuring affordable housing options for eligible tenants.
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.