Location: Minidoka County, ID | Metro: Blaine County, ID
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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,440 | $235,760 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $1,900 | $307,018 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $2,170 | $389,309 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $2,517 | $515,844 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 83350, Rupert, ID, within Minidoka County, operate under specific parameters that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors to understand. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent if they are using a Section 8 voucher.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS data, is much lower at $856. This discrepancy highlights the potential financial benefits for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program, as they can receive a higher rental income compared to the prevailing market rates.
To walk you through how the actual payment works, let's break down the components. The tenant is responsible for paying a portion of their income towards rent, typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. This amount is deducted from the total SAFMR to determine the subsidy amount paid by the housing authority. For example, if a tenant's portion is $300, then the housing authority would cover the remaining $920 of the $1,220 SAFMR.
Beyond the base rent, there are also utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally provide additional funds to cover electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. If we assume an average utility allowance of around $100, this would be added to the housing authority's payment, bringing the total reimbursement to approximately $1,020 ($920 + $100).
This means that a landlord could potentially receive up to $1,020 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, which is significantly above the local market rate of $856. However, it's important to note that the tenant's portion of the rent can fluctuate depending on their income, so the exact amount the landlord receives might vary slightly each month.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 83350, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus is a surplus of $164 per month ($1,020 - $856), assuming the average utility allowance. This surplus provides landlords with a financial advantage over standard market rents, making participation in the Section 8 program financially attractive in this area.
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.