Location: Lewis County, ID | Metro: Clearwater 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $282,376 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $357,343 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $409,555 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 83544, which includes Orofino, ID, stands at $69,458. This figure places significant constraints on what a typical household can afford in terms of rent. The current market rate for rent, according to Census ACS data, is $933 per month. To put this into perspective, a household earning the median income would spend approximately 16.4% of their gross monthly income on rent at the market rate.
However, the situation becomes more complex when considering the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard for Housing Choice Vouchers, which is set at $1,090 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This amount exceeds the current market rate by $157, indicating that voucher holders have the potential to pay more than non-voucher tenants.
The rental market in Orofino, where 20.4% of the 6,798 residents are renters, is indicative of a relatively modest demand. Given the affordability gap between the median income and the market rent, it suggests that many potential renters might struggle to find housing without financial assistance. This dynamic could lead to increased competition among landlords who accept vouchers, as these properties would be more attractive to tenants with limited budgets.
For landlords considering whether to accept voucher tenants or focus on cash-paying tenants, the key takeaway is that while the market rate is lower than the voucher payment standard, the competition for voucher tenants may be higher due to the affordability issues faced by local renters. Accepting vouchers can provide a steady and reliable source of income, especially since the voucher amount is higher than the current market rate. However, landlords should also be aware of the administrative requirements and the potential for longer vacancy periods associated with the voucher process.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 83544 should weigh the benefits of higher guaranteed rents from voucher tenants against the challenges of a more competitive market and the additional paperwork involved. The decision should be informed by an understanding of the local rental dynamics and the financial stability provided by vouchers.
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.