Location: Goshen County, WY | Metro: Cheyenne, WY MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,498 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 82221 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,030 per month for fiscal year 2026. However, the local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $580 per month. This disparity highlights the financial dynamics landlords face when participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher will receive payment based on the SAFMR rate. The voucher system operates by covering the difference between the tenant's portion of the rent and the total rent. Typically, the tenant is required to pay 30% of their income towards rent, which includes both the rental amount and utility costs. Utility allowances vary but are generally around $300 per month for a two-bedroom unit.
To illustrate, if a tenant's income is $1,500 per month, they would be expected to contribute 30%, or $450, toward the rent and utilities. Given the SAFMR rate of $1,030, the government would cover the remaining $580. However, since the local market rent is $580, the landlord would receive the full market rent plus the utility allowance, making it a viable option despite the lower local rates.
In ZIP 82221, landlords should be aware that the SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, meaning it does not necessarily reflect the broader metro or county-level FMRs. This localized rate setting can provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of reimbursement.
Given these figures, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 82221 is minimal. Landlords will receive the full local market rent of $580 plus the utility allowance, totaling approximately $880. This leaves a $150 surplus compared to the SAFMR rate, indicating that landlords are likely to be financially compensated at or slightly above the local market rate, without significant risk of loss.
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.